Dogs

When it comes to training animals, as you know, there are different methods for modifying behavior. However, when dealing with unwanted behaviors, one possible strategy among the wide range available is through a concept known as extinction.

Extinction refers to the process of reducing or eliminating a behavior that has been previously reinforced. This means that by gradually withholding reinforcement, the behavior will decrease and eventually disappear.

 

 

When we face the challenge of extinguishing a previously reinforced behavior, it is crucial to understand the potential triggers and consequences associated with extinction. In some cases, this process can generate frustration in the animal, leading to aggression. It is during this final phase of extinction, known as extinction burst, when an increase in the intensity and/or frequency of the behavior is observed before it ultimately decreases.

We must consider that the lack of reinforcement for a previously reinforced behavior can be aversive to the animal. This frustration can manifest through aggressive behaviors, directed towards caregivers, other animals, or their environment in general. It is important to note that aggression is a behavior that should not be intentionally conditioned with the purpose of later using extinction as a behavioral modification method. Instead, alternative and safer approaches should be employed to address aggression in animals, such as environmental modifications, the use of differential reinforcement of alternative behaviors, and most importantly, consulting with animal behavior specialists.

 

 

 

Let's imagine you have a dog that has been reinforced for being next to the table and begging for food. Every time the dog approaches the table, you give him a piece of food as reinforcement. However, you decide that this behavior is undesired and you want to extinguish it.

You could start the process of extinction by no longer reinforcing the dog's behavior. When the dog approaches the table and asks for food, you simply ignore his behavior and do not give him any food. Initially, it is very likely that the dog will try to increase the intensity or frequency of his behavior, such as barking or jumping, in the hope of obtaining the food he used to receive. However, if you remain consistent in not reinforcing the behavior, the dog will start to realize that his behavior is no longer effective in getting food.

Over time, the dog will stop approaching the table and begging for food, as he has learned that his behavior does not produce the desired results.

However, in other situations, there are behaviors that can be selectively conditioned to facilitate their subsequent extinction. This would involve using a discriminative signal to indicate to the animal to perform a specific behavior. Later on, the request for that signal is gradually withdrawn, leading to the behavior no longer being reinforced and eventually extinguishing it.

 

 

 

A very close example of this process is training a dog to sit on a verbal cue, such as the word "sit." Initially, the dog is taught to associate the word "sit" with the action of sitting, using positive reinforcement to reinforce the desired response. Over time, the dog learns to associate the verbal cue with the action of sitting and consistently responds when prompted.

Once the behavior is well-conditioned and the dog reliably responds to the verbal cue, we can initiate the process of extinction. This would involve using the verbal cue "sit" less frequently and gradually ceasing to ask the dog to sit in response to the cue. Without receiving the expected reinforcement, the sitting behavior begins to extinguish and decreases in frequency until it eventually disappears.

It's important to note that this approach of selective conditioning and extinction is only suitable in the hands of expert trainers, particularly for behaviors that are not problematic or detrimental to the animal's well-being. In the case of aggressive behaviors or other undesirable behaviors, appropriate and safe intervention strategies should be sought.

There are different theories that attempt to explain the phenomenon of extinction. The most accepted theory suggests that it relates to how the brain associates things. Some believe that extinction is simply "forgetting" (Don't forget to read one of our previous articles, "Has he forgotten it?") the connection between two things: one that makes us feel good and another that elicits a certain reaction. Other scientists think that it actually involves learning something new that inhibits or blocks the original association.

 

Has it been extinguished?

If the conditioned response is no longer displayed, does it mean that it has truly disappeared forever?

In his research on classical conditioning, Pavlov discovered that when extinction occurs, it doesn't mean that the subject returns to an unconditioned state, but rather it can lead to what is known as spontaneous recovery, which refers to the sudden reappearance of a response that had previously been extinguished.

In his research on operant conditioning, Skinner found that how and when a behavior is reinforced can influence its resistance to extinction. He found that a partial reinforcement schedule helped reduce the chances of extinction.

Instead of reinforcing the behavior every time it occurs, reinforcement is given only after a certain time has elapsed or a certain number of responses have been made. This type of partial schedule results in a stronger and more resistant behavior towards extinction.

 

 

 

What can influence extinction?

Several factors can influence the resistance of a behavior to extinction. The longer the conditioning has lasted and the greater the magnitude of the conditioned response, the more likely it is that the response will be resistant to extinction.

Highly conditioned behaviors can become almost impossible to extinguish and may continue to be displayed even after reinforcement has been completely removed. Some research suggests that habituation can also play a role in extinction. For example, repeated exposure to a conditioned stimulus can lead our animal to become accustomed or habituated to it.

Because they have become habituated to the conditioned stimulus, they are more likely to ignore it and less likely to elicit a response, which eventually leads to the extinction of the conditioned behavior. This is one of the reasons why we do not recommend the use of a bridge without being supported by reinforcement, as overuse of it could lead to this type of habituation.

In summary, we have learned that extinction is a strategy used in animal training to reduce or eliminate behaviors that were previously reinforced. At Wezooit, we believe that, like any training process, it is essential to consider the well-being and safety of the animal, always seeking ethical and effective approaches to modify their behavior.

 

And remember, if it’s possible... Wezooit!