LIBRARY - Behaviour

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Considered one of the best odor detectors, dogs go through a rigorous selection and training process. Based on learning theories, modern techniques are used for dog training, respecting individual characteristics, efficiency, and well-being. Since narcotics detection work is perceived as a “play” for the dog, in practice, this promotes a high use rate in the service. The performance of handlers influences the work of the dogs, and well-trained and well-run dogs must work comfortably and accurately. This paper aimed to review the aspects related to the selection, training, and performance of narcotics detection dogs.

The pecking response of pigeons was reinforced when a minimum period of time had elapsed since the last response (DRL schedule of food-reinforcement). Punishment, satiation, extinction, and stimulus change were employed separately to reduce responding. When the effects of the four procedures were compared, punishment was found capable of producing a more immediate, complete and long lasting response reduction than the others. Punishment had its maximum effect on the responses that were least relevant to reinforcement. The punishment reduced the frequency of the short inter-response times to a greater extent than did either extinction or satiation. In this way, punishment actually increased the efficiency of the DRL responding.

Comparison of learning effects and stress between 3 different training methods electronic training collar pinch collar and quitting signal in Belgian Malinois Police Dogs

Application of aversive stimuli in training, in particular via electronic training collars, is a highly controversial issue. The aim of the present study was to evaluate stress and learning effects of 3 different training methods, i.e. electronic training collar, pinch collar and a conditioned quitting signal in dog training organized in 3 sessions. In order to assess stress effects of the training methods, salivary cortisol concentrations and behavioural reactions of 42 police dogs of the breed Malinois were measured. The electronic training collar induced less stress and had stronger learning effect in comparison to the other methods in a training situation which required high motivation in case that proficiency of dog trainer is proved. It was also noted that quitting signal was markedly stressful in dogs. In the present study, however, theoretical and practical knowledge of each dog trainer could not be achieved during the assessment of pinch collar as well as quitting signal. Therefore, the findings of the study lead to the conclusion that debates over effectiveness of training methods should include not only the training aids but also the qualification of the trainer.

When a pigeon's pecking on a single key was reinforced by a variable-interval (VI) schedule of reinforcement, the rate of pecking was insensitive to changes in the duration of reinforcement from 3 to 6 sec. When, however, the pigeon's pecking on each of two keys was concurrently reinforced by two independent VI schedules, one for each key, the rate of pecking was directly proportional to the duration of reinforcement.

As discussed in a previous paper1, some things we do and say in dog training are known by or at least are familiar to everyone. You say the word and there is that outwardly knowing nod of the head, slight smile. No matter that you may have only heard the word, but don‘t really know what it means. Or you were just at a seminar where that speaker with the booming voice, charming smile and international awards spent 45 minutes talking about it. So it never really enters into your mind, that it may not be what it seems. It’s a thing with a name that the expert has very convincingly shown and explained. But what if I were to tell you … would you still take the red pill? This paper cannot, in this form, present all the information there is to know about drives. Scientists have dedicated whole books to one type of drive (yes, that’s a hint. There are more than just one type of drive, depending upon the science and scientists). My intention is to lay out a very brief history of the concepts (another hint) of drive, spanning different “-ologies” and decades and uses. I will give as many references as possible so that you can check them yourself. Only at the very end, will I try to tie this all together and give you my opinion – yes, THAT will be my opinion.