Just a related observation-we have used an invisible fence with two dogs now (I know, small N), but what was interesting to me was their behavior during acquisition. While we have a fairly large perimeter for the dogs, once they had learned that going X far resulted in the beep and then the shock, both dogs initially confined their movement to the concrete patio. We had to lure them off the patio. What it looked like they were learning was not where it was dangerous, but where they could go and not be shocked. As they had more experience, they broadened the area that they would enter. We got to the point where we only used the collar if they wandered. A few days with the collar and the perimeters were reacquired and we could leave the collar off again.
And considering cues-the flags marking the perimeter used in training were there for a very short duration. Our current dog is blind, and will re-acquire the perimeters if she wanders and we reintroduce the collar (or at least she'll stay in the yard). Leah On Fri, Aug 28, 2015 at 9:23 AM, Paul Brandon <[email protected]> wrote: > > 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=13346.fd4eeaf6abdc74d8c3a37fbfbb055cd9&n=T&l=tips&o=46466 > > (It may be necessary to cut and paste the above URL if the line is broken) > > or send a blank email to > leave-46466-13346.fd4eeaf6abdc74d8c3a37fbfbb055...@fsulist.frostburg.edu > > -- Leah Adams-Curtis Director of Assessment Knox College 2 East South Street Galesburg, IL 61401-4999 309-341-7260 --- 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=46467 or send a blank email to leave-46467-13090.68da6e6e5325aa33287ff385b70df...@fsulist.frostburg.edu
