aversives

01/16/2024

this is where i gather information on the use of aversives (positive punishment, P+, and negative reinforcement, R-) in dog training for my own reference.

mixed and aversive-based training methods lead to higher cortisol levels, more frequent stress-related behaviors, and less willingness to learn novel tasks.

the results of studies on effectiveness of different training methods are mixed. my takeaway is that effectiveness of R+, R-, P+, and P- varies from dog to dog. for the sake of the dog's welfare, it is best to use the least intrusive, minimally aversive training method possible that will yield results. often this means R+ with a bit of P-. for other dogs it might require the use of aversives after other methods have been exhausted.

part of a series of...

behavior mod

intro • what hasn't worked • what has worked • aversives