First, I would want more detailed observation (video or detailed log) to know exactly what was happening. The basic situation appears to be signaled avoidance behavior paired with positive reinforcement at the end of the sequence. The dog appears to have acquired a more extensive avoidance repertoire. Most likely, for some reason the dog stayed in the bell area (distraction?), then proceded past the perimeter unshocked, which I assume is positively reinforced in some manner. One trial learning is possible, or repeated instances may have occurred.
BTW — was this originally reported by a family member, or by A. Pochryphal? On Aug 28, 2015, at 6:20 AM, Michael Britt <[email protected]> wrote: > Maybe this is easier than I think but I am curious: so we all know about > those “invisible fences” that will shock your dog - who is wearing a “shock > collar” - when it tries to go past a certain perimeter around your house > (positive punishment, right?). But lately I’ve heard about this: apparently > a bell will go off if your dog gets near the shock area which your dog learns > (with experience) will be followed by the shock if it continues in that > direction. I heard that some dogs will enter the “bell area” and allow the > bell to ring until the battery on their shock collar dies out. Then the dog > simply walks past the perimeter unshocked. > > My family of course said that the dog was “smart”. How would a behaviorist > explain this? > > Michael Paul Brandon Emeritus Professor of Psychology Minnesota State University, Mankato [email protected] --- You are currently subscribed to tips as: [email protected]. To unsubscribe click here: http://fsulist.frostburg.edu/u?id=13090.68da6e6e5325aa33287ff385b70df5d5&n=T&l=tips&o=46466 or send a blank email to leave-46466-13090.68da6e6e5325aa33287ff385b70df...@fsulist.frostburg.edu
