Have you ever had someone tell you that they have “tried every other option” when attempting to train and/or change a behavior and, as such, plan to use aversive or punishment based methods?
Sometimes people feel exasperated and overwhelmed when there is not immediate behavioral change or when things are not progressing according their their timeline.
Often times when positive reinforcement appears to fail, the difficulty is with the delivery. Timing, interaction, and/or consistency may be inaccurate or missing from the equation.
Resorting to punishment should only happen with a through understanding of the learning theory behind the implementation.
With that in mind, anytime that we introduce a stimulus to a situation with the intent of stopping or decreasing behavior, by behavioral definition, we are in the positive (think adding/subtracting type of “positive”) punishment quadrant of learning theory.
One of the dangers of using positive punishment (the addition of punishment) is that when using punishment we run the risk of side effects which include: escape avoidance, apathy, aggression, and generalized fear.
Another risk associated with punishment is that it is reinforcing to the punisher. It “feels good” to make “progress.” Too, while it may appear that we have “fixed” the problem, we may actually be creating new issues.
Also, learners can habituate to punishment, causing the person delivering the punishment to need to continually escalate (from a spoken “no” to a gruff “no” to a yelled “no,” etc.) the intensity of the correction.
Furthermore, by using punishment, we are not actually teaching what it is that we want the learner TO do.
As an example, instead of using the word, “no,” try to ignore the behavior that you don’t like while at the same time teaching and asking for an alternative or incompatible behavior that you would like to see. And then reinforce that behavior so that it happens again!
Behaviors which are reinforced will, with patience and consistency, be repeated, while those that lack attention (are ignored) will eventually extinguish.
To ameliorate frustration, as mentioned above, while ignoring the behavior that we don’t wish to see continue, we ask for something to replace that behavior with and reinforce this new behavior that we like and want to see more of!
Positive reinforcement should always be your “go to” technique to enhance your bond, improve communication, and teach appropriate behaviors.
(Note for additional tips on positive reinforcement training I’ve written a pocket guide for deaf dogs which is applicable to training in general: http://www.amazon.com/Deaf-Dog-Joins-Family-Communication/dp/1507578261)
Living with a dog with Separation Anxiety can be overwhelmingly difficult. Folks may feel like prisoners in their own home and can have costly emotional and physical fallout from the situation.
Many times people are mistakenly given the advice to get the dog used to a crate with a stuffed Kong (or other food puzzle). But, there is so much more involved in successfully treating (yes, Separation Anxiety IS treatable!) this phobia.
Rather than just teaching a dog to “eat” alone, we need to help them to feel comfortable “being” by themselves.
Canine Separation Anxiety is a panic disorder. As such, although remedies and suggestions such as food puzzles, Thundershirts, and DAP collars may fall under the heading of “can’t hurt,” they also are unlikely to actually help with much progress when used alone.
Instead, we use a specific protocol designed to desensitize to absences in very small increments with many, many repetitions over time.
Frequently, folks may begin with a 5 minute absence believing that this is an extremely brief duration. However, depending on the dog, first steps may need to be broken down into being in sight, but further away in the same room to start out.
Departure cues are included and criteria is raised and temporarily lowered as duration and other elements are introduced. Things like keys and shoes and cars starting will all come with time and are built into the micro departure steps with thought and care given to the overall plan. Managing each component of the plan daily is key.
The process requires a great amount of patience and consistency-the backbones of permanent, lasting behavioral change.
With the right guidance, attitude, commitment, and perseverance you can see seconds turn into minutes and minutes become longer and longer absences until eventually your dog learns to trust in the feeling that it is ok for them to be home alone.
For help or questions with possible canine Separation Anxiety, you can contact PAW today. http://positiveanimalwellness.com/contact/