Socialisation Flashcards
define sensitive period for learning
a time of neural plasticity where the kitten/puppy is open to new learning
when is the sensitive period for learning in kittens?
2-7 weeks
when is the sensitive period for learning in puppies?
4-12 weeks
what is learned during the sensitive learning period?
what is ‘normal’ and what to expect in later life
what experiences must be ensured during the sensitive learning period?
positive
what does the sensitive learning period include?
socialisation
what is involved in socialisation?
ensuring positive early learning about social interactions by careful introduction to other dogs, familiar and unfamiliar people, children, babies, cats and other animals
can learning take place outside of sensitive learning period?
yes but it is harder to learn new things
what makes learning outside of the sensitive learning period easier?
if the animal has no experience of the event rather than a bad experience during the sensitive period
what is habituation?
a form of simple learning which leads to learnt responses to individual stimuli
what happens as an animal becomes habituated?
gradual decrease in response to presentation of low level or regular stimulus
what is sensitisation?
opposite of habituation. Gradual increase in response to presentation of high level or irregularly applied stimulus or a stimulus applied when an animal already has increased arousal
how do fear responses develop?
sensitisation
how can habituation rather than sensitisation be ensured?
introduce things slowly and gradually, in a fun way and paired with something nice
what is an essential guide throughout the sensitive learning period to how your puppy/kitten is coping?
body language
