User:Lindsay Ridgeway/Reward-based Field Training for Retrievers/Preface

Preface

The title of this book, Reward-based Field Training for Retrievers, reflects the scope and limitations of the topic discussed:

• Reward-based means that only training methods based upon rewards are covered, and that training methods based upon aversives are not covered. In terms of behavioral science, this means that the following methods are used in this book:

• Positive reinforcement (+R). Desired behavior leads to a reward (a pleasant stimulus), with the observed result that the behavior maintains or increases in probability.
• Extinction. Undesired behavior does not lead to a reward, with the observed result of the behavior decreasing, though perhaps not until after an extinction burst.
• Negative punishment (-P). Undesired behavior leads to the removal of a reward, or more commonly, the removal of an opportunity for performing a behavior with a history of being rewarded, with the observed result that the undesired behavior declines in probability.

Again in terms of behavioral science, the following methods are not used in this book:

• Positive punishment (+P). Undesired behavior leads to an aversive (an unpleasant stimulus), with the observeed result that the behavior declines in probability.
• Negative reinforcement (-R). Desired behavior leads to the escape or avoidance of an aversive, with the observed result that the behavior maintains or increases in probability.

• Field Training means that only training methods associated with training dogs for the sports of Field Trials, Hunt Tests, and hunting are covered. Obviously this would include, for example, training the dog to retrieve, but it also includes all behaviors associated with training field dogs, such as crate training and building motivation. On the other hand, it does not include training behaviors that are not used for field sports, such as agility weaving.

• for Retrievers means that only training for retrievers is covered. Field training for other canine breeds, such as pointers, flushers and versatile hunters, is not covered.