dog training glossary

The Complete Dog Training Glossary: 100+ Essential Terms

Understanding your dog starts with learning their language. We built this glossary using 16 years of professional, force-free behavior consulting at Camp Ruff Ruff. Every definition is grounded in modern science and matches the practical framework we use with our clients daily. Skip the confusing jargon—here is exactly how your dog learns, thinks, and communicates.

 

The Complete Dog Training Glossary: 100+ Essential Terms

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There are currently 2 names in this directory beginning with the letter V.
Vacuum Activity
When an animal is highly motivated to perform an instinctive behavior but there is no available outlet, a vacuum activity may be exhibited (flank sucking, licking, etc). These activities have no apparent useful purpose.

Submitted by: S. Sheaffer
Variable Schedule of Reinforcement
Where an unpredictable amount of time have passed before getting rewarded for a response, or a number of behaviors required before getting reinforced. This keeps a dog motivated like a human playing a slot machine.


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