Question

(chapter 1) Provide a few examples of reinforcement techniques that you might use to train a dog to catch and retrieve an object that your throw. Be specific and provide enough detail for us to get a good understanding why you are choosing those particular reinforcement techniques and how you expect them to work.

Answer 1

Reinforcement techniques can be used to train a dog to catch and retrieve an object that is thrown. Reinforcement is broadly classified into two parts negative reinforcement and positive reinforcement. In negative reinforcement, the trainer can induce pain to the dog to achieve the desired behavior. Whereas in positive reinforcement, the trainer will give a reward to the dog to let him continue the desired behavior. Let us discussed each method briefly.

In case of negative reinforcement, the trainer will give an undesirable reinforcement which will make the dog discontinue his undesirable behavior. For instance, if the dog does not run towards the ball, the trainer can pinch the ear of the dog. He can pull his ears and drag him to the place where the ball is located. After that, he can make the dog pick the ball. Once the desired behavior is achieved, the pinching can stop. This will make the dog understand that he is supposed to bite the ball and get to the owner otherwise he will be punished.

In positive reinforcement, the trainer will reward the dog everytime the desired behavior is achieved. For instance, the trainer can throw the ball towards the dog. If the dog bites it, the trainer can pat his head. If the dog brings the ball to the owner, the dog can be offered a bowl of milk. The continuation of this will make the dog understand that if the behavior is done he will be rewarded. This will lead to the increase in desired behavior.