Dog Training Canine Learning Theory Questions and Answers

Question 1

A dog trainer is working with a dog that barks excessively for attention.
The trainer instructs the owner to completely ignore the dog when it barks.
For the first few days, the barking intensifies and becomes more frantic before it starts to decrease.
This temporary increase in the unwanted behavior is known as:

Accepted Answer

An extinction burst

Answer

Spontaneous recovery

Answer

Generalization

Answer

Latent inhibition

Question 2

Which of the following scenarios is a correct application of negative punishment (-P)?

Accepted Answer

Turning and walking away when a puppy nips during play.

Answer

Applying a leash pop when a dog pulls on the walk.

Answer

Giving a dog a treat when it sits calmly.

Answer

Releasing pressure on a head halter once the dog stops pulling.

Question 3

A trainer is teaching a dog to lie down. They say the verbal cue "Down" at the exact same time as they use a food lure to guide the dog's nose to the floor. After many repetitions, the trainer finds the dog will not lie down with the verbal cue alone, but will with the hand motion. This is an example of:

Accepted Answer

Overshadowing

Answer

Blocking

Answer

Latent Inhibition

Answer

Sensitization

Question 4

In the context of classical conditioning, what is the primary difference from operant conditioning?

Accepted Answer

Classical conditioning involves associating a neutral stimulus with an unconditioned stimulus to elicit an involuntary response. [2, 29]

Answer

Classical conditioning involves voluntary behaviors, while operant conditioning involves involuntary, reflexive responses.

Answer

Classical conditioning focuses on the association between a behavior and its consequence.

Answer

Operant conditioning is only used for positive reinforcement, while classical conditioning is used for punishment.

Question 5

To prevent a puppy from developing a fear of vacuum cleaners, the owner frequently runs the vacuum in another room while the puppy is happily playing or eating, ensuring the sound is at a low, non-threatening level. Over time, the puppy learns to ignore the sound. This preventative process is best described as:

Accepted Answer

Latent inhibition

Answer

Counter-conditioning

Answer

Systematic desensitization

Answer

Flooding

Question 6

Which of the following is an example of negative reinforcement (-R)?

Accepted Answer

A trainer stops applying upward pressure on the leash as soon as the dog sits, making the dog more likely to sit in the future.

Answer

A dog whines at the door and the owner lets it outside, so the dog whines more often.

Answer

A dog jumps on a guest and the guest gives it a treat to calm it down.

Answer

An owner uses a spray bottle to squirt the cat when it gets on the counter, so the cat avoids the counter.