M2 Flashcards
What is the primary method used for tackling Separation anxiety in dogs?
Exposure therapy and a particular form of desensitization
What is the core principle of exposure therapy?
Face the fear approach
What does avoidance of fear lead to?
It does not help the nervous system adjust and can worsen the fear
What happens to the feared object or situation when avoided?
It remains novel and anxiety provoking
True or False: Avoidance can improve a dog’s condition.
False
What is the consequence of prolonged avoidance in dogs left alone?
The novelty of being alone increases the strength of the stimulus
What is the recommended technique for helping dogs with Separation anxiety?
Gradual exposure to home alone time
Fill in the blank: The exposure to fear should be at an intensity that does not produce _______.
fear
What is in vivo exposure?
Directly facing the thing, object, or activity that one is frightened of
What is imaginal exposure?
Vividly imagining the thing that one is frightened of
What is virtual reality exposure?
Using virtual reality equipment to simulate the feared situation
What is the main approach for exposure therapy with dogs?
In vivo exposure
What is flooding in the context of exposure therapy?
Turning up the intensity of the fear-inducing stimulus to the maximum
What are two major problems with flooding for dogs?
- It can worsen the problem
- It is unethical and inhumane
What is learned helplessness?
A condition where a dog gives up because it learns that its behavior does not change the aversive situation
True or False: Flooding can sometimes work with dogs.
True
What is the risk associated with flooding?
It can make the dog worse and lead to learned helplessness
What is a fear hierarchy?
A construct used for gradual exposure that ranks fears from least to most intense
How does gradual exposure differ from flooding?
Gradual exposure uses low intensity while flooding uses maximum intensity
What is systematic desensitization in human psychology?
Gradual exposure combined with relaxation exercises
What is the goal of gradual exposure for dogs with Separation anxiety?
To expose them to the feared stimulus at a super low intensity
What is the first step for someone who is frightened of elevators?
Learning relaxation techniques
This helps manage the fear response independently of exposure to the elevator.
How can dogs be taught to relax?
Using simple training techniques such as:
* Down stay
* Stationing behaviors
These techniques can help dogs become more relaxed over time.
What is habituation?
A decrease in response to a stimulus after repeated presentations
Example: Increasing familiarity with a new ringtone leads to diminished attention over time.
What is the goal of gradual exposure in the context of dog training?
To present a low-intensity stimulus repeatedly until the dog hardly notices it
This helps dogs become accustomed to previously frightening stimuli.
What is extinction in behavioral terms?
The weakening of previously learned associations between feared objects and bad outcomes over time
This process can help dogs connect home alone time with calmness rather than fear.
What does it mean to keep a dog under threshold?
To ensure the dog remains calm and does not experience anxiety during training
This is crucial for effective desensitization.
Why is it important for dog owners to observe their dog’s body language?
To become experts in their own dog’s behavior and identify anxiety signs
Understanding normal behavior helps in assessing anxiety levels.
What are displacement activities in dogs?
Normal behaviors that occur in the wrong context, indicating anxiety
Examples include yawning when anxious or excessive licking.
What is the significance of a ‘day in the life of’ study for dog owners?
To track and understand their dog’s normal behaviors in various situations
This helps differentiate between normal and anxious behaviors.
What is the primary training technique recommended for separation anxiety?
Desensitization
Research indicates that this method is more effective than operant conditioning for this issue.
Why can’t dogs express their preference for training approaches?
Dogs cannot communicate their preferences, so trainers must choose humane and effective methods
Ethical training involves considering the dog’s comfort during training.
True or False: Dogs can understand and apply relaxation techniques like humans.
False
Dogs cannot consciously employ relaxation techniques in stressful situations.
Fill in the blank: The process of gradually exposing dogs to fear-inducing stimuli is called _______.
desensitization
What should trainers avoid during training sessions to prevent stress in dogs?
Forcing dogs through a hierarchy of fear they are uncomfortable with
This can lead to flooding and increased anxiety.
What are some signs of anxiety in dogs that trainers should be aware of?
Signs include:
* Excessive barking
* Whining
* Body posture changes
Understanding these signs helps in keeping the dog under threshold.
