Contribution: what is it and how to apply it?

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One of the correction methodsproblematic behavior and raising a dog (in particular, accustoming to unpleasant procedures) - contingency. What is counter-conditioning and how to apply it correctly?

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What is contingency?

Contra-conditioning is a word that sounds awful, but in fact there is nothing to worry about. Contra-conditioning in training and correction of dog behavior is a change in the emotional reaction of an animal to a particular stimulus.

Speaking quite simply, this is when we teach the dog that the terrible things in her mind are not so scary, but in some places even pleasant.

For example, a dog is afraid of strangers and barks at them. We teach her that the presence of strangers bodes well for our pet. Is the dog afraid of clawing? We teach her that this tool in our hands is a harbinger of a huge amount of goodies.

How to apply contingency in dog training?

The basis of counter-conditioning in dog training lay the experiments of the famous scientist Ivan Pavlov on the formation of a conditioned reflex. In fact, we form a new conditioned reflex in response to a frightening or unpleasant stimulus.

First of all, you need to find what will be worthy reinforcement for the dog. Most often, the favorite (truly beloved!) Treat, which is rarely given to a pet in ordinary life, plays the role of reinforcement. For example, small pieces of cheese. Delicacy will be the main tool.

Further, the work is based on the fact that the dog is presented with an irritant (something that scares or bothers him) at the distance when the dog already sees the object, but still remains calm. And then they give her a treat. Every time a dog sees an irritant, they give it yummy. And gradually reduce the distance and increase the intensity of the stimulus.

If everything is done correctly, then the dog will form an association: irritant = a lot of tasty and enjoyable. And the dog will rejoice at the claw that he used to be terribly afraid of.