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Operant conditioning

Apr 27, 2023 | Industry

Operant conditioning is a learning process that can be used to shape the behaviours of any species; birds, rabbits, dogs, tigers, goldfish and humans! It is often utilised in animal training and can significantly improve animal welfare and communication between animals and humans, when applied correctly. Operant conditioning can be used to train voluntary veterinary behaviours, such as birds taking medication from a syringe voluntarily or having nails trimmed without restraint. In zoo animals, it is commonly used to train for procedures such as blood collection and blood pressure measurements. Operant conditioning can worsen fear, anxiety and “problem behaviours” if used incorrectly. 

Operant conditioning uses reinforcement or punishment to increase a desired behaviour or decrease undesired behaviour and is divided into 4 quadrants. A positive stimulus is a reward that the animal values, such as a food item or a toy. Operant conditioning is completely voluntary, meaning the animal has a choice over how they respond to stimuli. For operant conditioning to be effective, one must be able to read body language with utmost detail and have excellent timing. 

Positive reinforcement: 

– A positive stimulus is given when a desired behaviour is performed. This serves to maintain the behaviour or increase the behaviour being performed in the future. 

Negative reinforcement:

– An aversive stimulus is removed to increase a desirable behaviour being performed. This approach is generally avoided. An aversive stimulus must NEVER be painful, overwhelming, inescapable or cause flooding. 

Positive punishment:

– An aversive stimulus is added to decrease undesirable behaviour. This is traditionally known simply as punishment and should NOT be used to shape behaviour. It is detrimental and can increase fear, anxiety, and aggression.

Negative punishment: 

– A positive stimulus is removed to decrease undesirable behaviour. When used alone or often, this can lead to frustration for the animal. It should be paired with positive reinforcement. 

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