CPDT-KA Practice Question Set 1

Question 1

Which of the following are two critical components of an effective housetraining program?

A) A leash toy and designated potty area
B) Supervision and confinement
C) Newspapers and water restriction
D) A crate and absorbent bedding

Answer 1

B) Supervision and confinement

Question 2

Which of the following best describes the use of an electronic training collar to teach a dog to come when called?

A) Is not the least aversive technique available
B) Is the most effective way to teach a recall
C) Is difficult for owners to learn proper technique
D) Is the most aversive technique available

Answer 2

D) Is the most aversive technique available

Question 3

If a dog is not responding to a lure while being taught a new skill, which of the following should be suggested to the client first?

A) Teach a different skill
B) Try a different type of lure
C) Repeat the cue several times
D) Physically manipulate the dog into the desired position

Answer 3

B) Try a different type of lure

Question 4

If a client has a physical limitation, the instructor should

A) Refer the client to a specialized trainer
B) Recommend the client focus on training dog skills to assist the owner
C) As client if adaptation is needed
D) Contact the local service agency for help

Answer 4

C) Ask client if adaptation is needed

Question 5

When teaching clients how to deal with common training problems such as barking, chewing and jumping up, the best initial approach would be to

A) Give the dog a time out
B) Teach and reinforce an alternate behaviour
C) Withdraw attention and then punish the behaviour if it persists
D) Withhold reinforcement until the dog stops the behaviour

Answer 5

D) Withhold reinforcement until the dog stops the behaviour

Question 6

Halfway through the first session of a class, an obese dog is panting heavily and beginning to limp. The client insists that the dog finish the session. The instructor should recommend the client consult a veterinarian and

A) Withdraw permanently from training
B) Have client continue working with the dog through the remainder of the session but at a slower pace
C) Withdraw from this session continue after veterinary clearance
D) Give the dog water, aspirin, allow dog to rest, and return to class at next session

Answer 6

C) Withdraw from this session, continue after veterinary clearance

Question 7

Observers should refrain from interacting with class dogs during training primarily to avoid

A) Aggravating the instructor
B) Distracting to students
C) Interrupting the class curriculum
D) Contaminating the training area

Answer 7

B) Distracting the students

Question 8

An instructor watches a client working with a dog to get it to lie down and says, “Now if you move the lure more slowly toward the ground, the dog is more likely to lay down for you.” This is an example of

A) Active listening
B) Giving feedback
C) Establishing rapport
D) Targeting the audience

Answer 8

B) Giving feedback

Question 9

Which of the following BEST describes punishment?

A) Is a behaviour
B) Decreases a behaviour
C) Something the dog dislikes
D) Involves a physical correction

Answer 9

B) Decreases a behaviour

Question 10

Which of the following is the correct sequence to implement when teaching a dog, “Down”?

A) Dog lies down, client says “down,” client feeds dog treat
B) Dog lies down, client feeds dog treat, client says “Yes”
C) Dog lies down, client feeds dog treat, client marks it
D) Dog lies down, client marks it, client throws ball for dog to chase

Answer 10

D) Dog lies down, client marks it, client throws ball for dog to chase

Question 11

A baby gate fell and frightened a dog. Since then, the dog runs and hides upon hearing the gate open. The sound of the gate may now function as a

A) No-reward marker
B) Conditioned positive punisher
C) Controlled negative punisher
D) Negative reward marker

Answer 11

B) Conditioned positive punisher

Question 12

If an instructor must keep a tight schedule, which of the following is the best way to handle a client who asks a relevant question that will require an extensive answer?

A) Ignore the question and make plans to include the subject in future sessions
B) Politely explain that no more time is available to answer the question
C) Make arrangements to follow-up with the client in a timely manner
D) Take time to answer the question and let the next client wait a few minutes

Answer 12

C) Make arrangements to follow-up with the client in a timely manner

Question 13

Which of the following applies when establishing a conditioned reinforcer?

A) Dog’s behaviour is critical
B) Dog’s behaviour is irrelevant
C) Only desired behaviours are reinforced
D) Dogs are prompted verbally to not give up

Answer 13

A) Dog’s behaviour is critical

Question 14

A client states that her dog bit a neighbour’s child. Which of the following would be the best response?

A) Can you tell me what happened?
B) Do you have insurance?
C) Legally I have to advise you to local ordinances
D) Please keep your dog muzzled when outside of the house

Answer 14

A) Can you tell me what happened?

Question 15

Which of the following best describes effective feedback to a client?

A) Can enhance a relationship
B) Is based on trainer’s opinion and experience
C) Is the same as constructive criticism
D) Provides client with information to improve skills

Answer 15

D) Provides client with information to improve skills

Question 16

In a group setting, practice sessions should

A) Take up a maximum of 50% of total class time
B) Take up a minimum of 75% of total class time
C) Occur after the instructor demonstrates
D) Continue until the exercise is learned by all dogs

Answer 16

C) Occur after the instructor demonstrates

Question 17

Which of the following is a DISADVANTAGE of using a trained dog for demonstration?

A) Entire training process is not shown
B) Dog might become bored
C) Instructor risks losing credibility if the demo doesn’t go smoothly
D) If the dog does not cooperate the client may feel the task is not achievable

Answer 17

A) Entire training process is not shown

Question 18

If a client’s dog is not responding to the instructor and wants to go back to the client, the instructor should

A) Return dog to client without comment so the client feels embarrassed
B) Attempt to befriend the dog because returning it would make the instructor appear incompetent
C) Explain to the class that the dog chosen is not ready to learn and ask for another dog
D) Return the dog and explain to the class that the stress may adversely influence training

Answer 18

D) Return the dog and explain to the class that the stress may adversely influence training

Question 19

The process of domestication in dogs has produced the most significant behaviour changes

A) Play behaviours
B) Urine marking
C) Vocalization to dogs
D) Sociability to people

Answer 19

D) Sociability to people

Question 20

Which of the following is the best indicator of urine marking?

A) Urinating only when owner is absent
B) Urinating only when owner is present
C) Urinating small amounts in multiple locations
D) Urinating large amounts in a few locations

Answer 20

C) Urinating small amounts in multiple locations

Question 21

Which of the following best describes the Premack Principle?

A) Use of P+
B) Depends on food motivation
C) Is related to the use of classical and operant conditioning
D) Depends upon the dog’s likelihood to do something

Answer 21

C) Is related to the use of classical and operant conditioning

Question 22

If a dog barks constantly at the front of the window any time another dog passes, which of the following should be recommended to the client to stop the dog from barking while at the window in the future?

A) Close the curtains after each dog passes
B) Crate the dog at high traffic times
C) Use a citronella collar to reduce barking
D) Pair the sight of dogs on the street with running to another room for a treat

Answer 22

D) Pair the sight of other dogs on the street with running to another room for a treat

Question 23

Which of the following is the best advice for a class client whose dog tries to escape the house only during thunderstorms?

A) Ignore the dog
B) Confine the dog
C) Refer to a behaviour consultant
D) Perform relaxation exercises

Answer 23

C) Refer to a behaviour consultant

Question 24

If two dogs pull towards each other during a basic training class, the immediate action should be to

A) Have clients pull dogs away from each other
B) Allow dogs to meet each other
C) Perform a well-timed leash check
D) Lure the dogs away with desirable items

Answer 24

D) Lure the dogs away with desirable items

Question 25

What is the best response to a dog that typically comes when called, but in this instance, chooses to sniff a tree instead?

A) Review recall training
B) Prevent dog from urine marking
C) Welcome dog with lots of high value reinforcement
D) Teach dog to sniff on cue by using it as a reinforcer

Answer 25

C) Welcome dog with lots of high value reinforcement

Question 26

Which of the following would help clients use less food as reinforcement during training?

A) Use lower calorie food
B) Use a continuous reinforcement schedule
C) Use an intermittent reinforcement schedule
D) Switch dog to a clicker training method

Answer 26

C) Use an intermittent reinforcement schedule

Question 27

Which of the following is an effective way to deal with a healthy puppy that urinates when greeting people at the door?

A) Startle and pick up the puppy
B) Verbally reprimand the puppy
C) Crate the puppy when leaving the house
D) Ignore the puppy entering the home

Answer 27

D) Ignore the puppy entering the home

Question 28

A dog snores under its owner’s desk at work. The owner walks the dog daily at lunchtime. Beginning at 11:30AM, the dog begins to act agitated, nudging the owner and whining. The dog’s behaviour has been reinforced on which of the following schedules?

A) Fixed interval
B) Fixed duration
C) Variable interval
D) Variable duration

Answer 28

A) Fixed interval

Question 29

Which of the following is the defining element of shaping?

A) Primary reinforcement
B) Secondary reinforcement
C) Successive approximation
D) Behaviour chaining

Answer 29

C) Successive approximation

Question 30

A dog receives a 10-15 second time out in a dark room when it barks for attention during class. Barking decreases during class. This is most likely an example of

A) P+
B) P-
C) R+
D) R-

Answer 30

B) P-

Question 31

A client presents a cue and the dog performs the conditioned behaviour. The client fails to reinforce the behaviour. After this happens several times in a row, which of the following may occur?

A) Extinction
B) Latent learning
C) Spontaneous recovery
D) Stimulus generalization

Answer 31

A) Extinction

Question 32

1-year old husky breaks out of its metal crate, wounding a paw and breaking a tooth. The client thinks the dog was mad because the client went out. A trainer should inform the client that

A) This is typical husky behaviour
B) Dog needs to spend more time in crate to get used to it
C) Dog is exhibiting anger because the client is not dominate over the dog
D) This behaviour is an immediate cause for concern and refer them to a veterinarian and a behaviour specialist

Answer 32

D) This behaviour is an immediate cause for concern and refer them to a veterinarian and a behaviour specialist

Question 33

Owner of an excitable dog arrives late and unprepared without treats, toys, or chew items. Every time another client or dog moves, the dog begins to bark. The best course of action is to

A) Ask the owner to correct the dog with a “No bark” cue every time the dog starts barking
B) As the owner to leave and schedule private lessons
C) Provide a stuffed food toy and tell the owner to take some time to settle the dog
D) Tell the owner to leave and be better prepared next week

Answer 33

C) Provide a stuffed food toy and tell the owner to take some time to settle the dog

Question 34

When a small puppy plays too roughly with other puppies, the instructor should direct the client to

A) Start private training sessions
B) Let the puppy play with larger puppies only
C) Take the puppy aside for a break
D) Let the puppy play with older dogs only

Answer 34

C) Take the puppy aside for a break

Question 35

A dog with its head turned away and ears flattened back is exhibiting behaviours most likely associated with

A) Fear
B) Boredom
C) Anger
D) Relaxation

Answer 35

A) Fear

Question 36

Which of the following best describes the use of a mechanical marker instead of a verbal marker while training?

A) Always available
B) Has distinctive sound
C) Eliminates need for food
D) Practical for the average client to use

Answer 36

D) Practical for the average client to use

Question 37

An owner does not want to leash a dog during a group class because it is friendly. Which of the following is the most appropriate?

A) Say nothing to not offend the client
B) Evaluate the dog to see if it is friendly
C) Allow dog off-leash unless it causes problems
D) Point out that class policy requires all dogs to be on leash

Answer 37

D) Point out that class policy requires all dogs to be on leash

Question 38

A client consistently calls for advice between classes. The trainer does not have time to address all the client’s questions each day. Which of the following is most appropriate?

A) Refer client to another local trainer
B) Tell client to use email instead of phone
C) Screen calls and answer them 24-48 hours later
D) Ask client to create a list of questions to ask at a scheduled time

Answer 38

D) Ask client to create a list of questions to ask at a scheduled time

Question 39

A parent attends classes with her 12-year old child, who also wants to learn how to train during class. The instructor should

A) Refuse because children cannot train dogs
B) Train dog without involving parent or child
C) Announce that children are not permitted to attend class
D) Show both parent and child how to properly train the dog

Answer 39

D) Show both parent and child how to properly train the dog

Question 40

Which of the following is an appropriate way to eliminate barking in class?

A) Muzzle barking dog
B) Verbally correct the dog
C) Reduce stimulation with visual barriers
D) Require private lessons with the barking dog

Answer 40

C) Reduce stimulation with visual barriers

Question 41

An owner has taught a young dog to sit every time the doorbell rings. Now she wants to teach the dog to sit on cue under different circumstances. After several frustrating attempts without success, she calls a trainer for help because her dog only sits when the doorbell rings. This may be the result of

A) Blocking
B) Saliency
C) Irrelevancy
D) Latent learning

Answer 41

D) Latent learning

Question 42

What is the process of teaching a dog to perform a series of behaviours (A-B-C) by teaching them C-B-A?

A) Shaping
B) Reverse sequencing
C) Forward chaining
D) Backchaining

Answer 42

D) Backchaining

Question 43

During class, the instructor overhears Client A advising Client B to tap the puppy on the nose whenever the puppy mouths a child. The instructor should

A) Correct Client A publicly
B) Suggest private training for Client A
C) Pretend not to hear the remark
D) Address the problem of mouthing to the whole class

Answer 43

D) Address the problem of mouthing to the whole class

Question 44

If an owner is present at class with a female dog in heat, the LEAST appropriate suggestion would be to

A) Have dog wear a diaper during class
B) Resume training after heat cycle has ended
C) Recommend owner take private lessons during female’s heat cycle
D) Request the owner spay the dog before returning to the facility

Answer 44

D) Request the owner spay the dog before returning to the facility

Question 45

During the first puppy class, a 12-week old puppy stays under the owner’s chair when left off leash for playtime. The other puppies are getting to know each other and are not playing roughly. The instructor should have the owner

A) Encourage the puppy to come out
B) Place puppy in group with the others
C) Leave the area so the puppy is unable to see the owner
D) Allow puppy to come out at its own pace

Answer 45

D) Allow puppy to come out at its own pace

Question 46

The process of waiting for a dog to spontaneously perform a a desirable behaviour and then reinforcing it is known as

A) Luring
B) Seeing
C) Shaping
D) Capturing

Answer 46

D) Capturing

Question 47

If a client brings a dog to class on a piece of prohibited equipment, the instructor should

A) Offer client use of alternate equipment and privately discuss the situation further after class
B) Take opportunity to explain to the class why use of that equipment is problematic in training
C) Note the personal difference between instructor/client methodologies and refund client’s money
D) Send client home and instruct them to return the following week with appropriate training equipment

Answer 47

A) Offer client use of alternate equipment and privately discuss the situation further after class