Socialisation Flashcards
(31 cards)
define sensitive period for learning
a time of neural plasticity where the kitten/puppy is open to new learning
when is the sensitive period for learning in kittens?
2-7 weeks
when is the sensitive period for learning in puppies?
4-12 weeks
what is learned during the sensitive learning period?
what is ‘normal’ and what to expect in later life
what experiences must be ensured during the sensitive learning period?
positive
what does the sensitive learning period include?
socialisation
what is involved in socialisation?
ensuring positive early learning about social interactions by careful introduction to other dogs, familiar and unfamiliar people, children, babies, cats and other animals
can learning take place outside of sensitive learning period?
yes but it is harder to learn new things
what makes learning outside of the sensitive learning period easier?
if the animal has no experience of the event rather than a bad experience during the sensitive period
what is habituation?
a form of simple learning which leads to learnt responses to individual stimuli
what happens as an animal becomes habituated?
gradual decrease in response to presentation of low level or regular stimulus
what is sensitisation?
opposite of habituation. Gradual increase in response to presentation of high level or irregularly applied stimulus or a stimulus applied when an animal already has increased arousal
how do fear responses develop?
sensitisation
how can habituation rather than sensitisation be ensured?
introduce things slowly and gradually, in a fun way and paired with something nice
what is an essential guide throughout the sensitive learning period to how your puppy/kitten is coping?
body language
what can develop if we don’t recognise fear and anxiety during sensitive learning period?
unwanted behaviors including aggression
describe the more subtle signs of fear in dogs
yawning
licking lips
turning away
cowering
describe the more subtle signs of fear in cats
tense body and face pilo erection tail swish crouching hiding
what are the 3 key aims of puppy classes?
provide an opportunity to learn about the world
learn about how to interact with other dogs
opportunity to educate owners
why may puppy classes not be suitable for all puppies?
anxious puppies may be overwhelmed and not cope/learn
frustration levels will be high as puppies will be prevented from interacting all the time
what are the 5 elements of the dogs trust school?
life skills training prevention of unwanted behaviour behavioural education physical set-up to facilitate learning reward based training
what is operant conditioning?
associative learning including voluntary responses. Animals learn that their voluntary actions have postivie or negative consequences
how do animals adapt their behaviour according to operant conditioning?
to maximise the positive outcomes and minimise negative
what does reinforcement within operant conditioning do?
increases the likelihood of target behaviour as behaviour has a positive outcome
