The formation of relationships between pets and their owners Flashcards
How can operant conditioning be used to explain the attraction of keeping pets?
Pets behave in ways that are appealing to their owners, for example, dogs show signs of affection and attachment to their owners such as licking and seeking comfort when they are scared. These relationships have a range of benefits, further reinforcing the bond between owners and their pet, for example, university students who live with at least one dog or cat are less likely to feel lonely or depressed
What is an element of negative reinforcement?
Many cat and dog owners report that in addition to unconditional love their pet provides company and starve off loneliness
How do animals find the relationship with humans reinforcing?
Cats appear to like being stroked and petted by their owners, even though they are generally more independent than dogs. We then treat these animals with behaviours that they find rewarding such as stroking them or giving treats. The animals soon learn that certain behaviours are likely to receive a positive response from their owners, this means that attentive dogs are more likely to receive a reward than less attentive dogs
