Dog Training Glossary

The transfer of control of a learned response from one cue to another cue that consistently occurs prior to the first cue.

Increasing the probability of getting the target behavior by showing the learning the reinforcer before the behavior. Also known as luring.

Barrier frustration, also known as barrier reactivity, is a behavior exhibited by dogs when they are restrained by a barrier such as a fence, window, or leash, and they become frustrated or agitated by their inability to access something or someone on the other side. This frustration often leads to reactive behaviors, such as barking, lunging, or excessive pulling on the leash.
Go to the term Reactive for more on reactivity.

The study of the functional relations between behavior and environmental events.

A series of behaviors linked together in a continuous sequence by cues, and maintained by a reinforcer at the end of the chain. Each cue serves as the marker and the reinforcer for the previous behavior, and the cue for the next behavior.

In dog behavior training, "behavior modification" means systematically changing a dog's behavior using techniques like positive reinforcement and desensitization.

Anything an individual does, given certain conditions, which can be observed or measured.

Bite inhibition in dogs refers to their ability to control the force of their bite. It's crucial for puppies to learn this during socialization to prevent accidental injuries. Training involves feedback, redirecting biting behavior, and positive reinforcement for gentle mouthing.

Level of stress or stimulation at which a dog resorts to biting.

A bridge is a stimulus that closes the gap in time between the release and presentation of the reinforcer.

A secondary reinforcer that can be delivered with extremely precise contiguity, hypothesized to bridge the gap between the instant the target behavior is emitted and the delivery of a primary reinforcer.