Dog Training Canine Learning Theory 3

Question 1

Classical conditioning primarily creates associations between what?

Accepted Answer

A neutral stimulus and an involuntary response

Answer

Classical conditioning pairs a previously neutral stimulus with one that triggers an automatic, involuntary response.

Question 2

In Pavlov's experiment, the food was the:

Accepted Answer

Unconditioned stimulus

Answer

Food naturally triggers salivation without any learning, making it the unconditioned stimulus.

Question 3

Counterconditioning aims to do what to a dog's emotional response?

Accepted Answer

Change a negative association into a positive one

Answer

Counterconditioning replaces an unwanted emotional reaction with a desirable one by re-pairing the trigger with something pleasant.

Question 4

Systematic desensitization works best when the trigger is presented at what intensity?

Accepted Answer

Below the threshold that provokes a reaction

Answer

Desensitization gradually exposes the dog to the trigger at low, sub-threshold levels to avoid triggering fear.

Question 5

What is 'flooding' and why is it generally discouraged?

Accepted Answer

Full-intensity exposure that can worsen fear or cause trauma

Answer

Flooding exposes the dog to the full-strength trigger with no escape, risking sensitization and lasting trauma.

Dog Training Practice Test