The core concept behind operant conditioning is that a stimulus, or a trigger, induces a response and later causes an action. This type of training involves using multiple positive reinforces that are able to incentivize a pet to perform a specific trick or action (Cherry, 2020). In this respect, such positive reinforcers imply distinct rewards that allow a pet to comprehend that such desirable action leads to a treat (Cherry, 2020). Thus, in order to teach a dog a specific trick, such as bringing a newspaper in the morning, the dog needs to be introduced to the reward that comes with it.
The first step that will be taken in order to establish the performance of this trick is showing the newspaper to the dog, introducing the desired object and the term “take.” In this case, the desired outcome is to teach the pet to take the newspaper into its mouth when it hears the command “take.” Initially, I will help the dog understand the concept by instilling praise and reward parts. Every time the dog puts the newspaper into its mouth, I pat the dog and treat it.
The new step will involve the pet taking the newspaper with the command “take” and later giving it to me with the command “drop.” In this situation, the goal for the dog is to not only pick up the newspaper but bring it to the owner. Thus, the same concept of praise and reward will be utilized, but this time I will throw the newspaper a couple of feet away from me, gradually increasing the distance. This approach minimizes the pet’s confusion and allows it to retrain from the previous step.
Eventually, the dog will learn to bring the newspaper every morning. The dog’s reaction every time it sees the newspaper will be like Pavlov’s response. The pet will see the newspaper on the sidewalk and immediately receive a stimulus to bring it to the owner. The vital part here is encouraging the dog to perform and reward the task. Without patience and continuity, there will be no desirable outcome.
Reference
Cherry, K. (2020). What is operant conditioning and how does it work?Verywell Mind.