Intro to Animal Behaviour II 2024 PDF

INTRO TO ANIMAL BEHAVIOUR II December 4, 2024 Today’s objectives Define and describe the 3 approaches to analyzing behaviour Understand basic principles of how animals learn Discuss/assess behaviour in an exam 2 Ways to analyze and address behav...

INTRO TO ANIMAL BEHAVIOUR II December 4, 2024 Today’s objectives Define and describe the 3 approaches to analyzing behaviour Understand basic principles of how animals learn Discuss/assess behaviour in an exam 2 Ways to analyze and address behaviour Applied behaviour analysis Assumes that all behaviours have a ”trigger” and are maintained by consequences Applied behaviour analysis Antecedent arrangement: -The environment or triggering event can be modified to change the behaviour -Make changes before the behaviour occurs to set the dog up to behave differently -Could be very small changes or big changes ***Problem: we can’t always change the antecedent Applied behaviour analysis Change the behaviour: -Train alternative behaviours -Actively cue an alternative behaviour -Ensure the problematic behaviour doesn’t get practiced Applied behaviour analysis Change the consequence: -Prevent/remove reinforcement of problematic behaviour -Ensure reinforcement of alternative behaviours Applied behaviour analysis It all seems so simple! -ABA does work when applied with skill -Requires accurate assessment of the antecedent(s), behaviour(s), and consequence(s) Behavioural medicine approach “Abnormal” or problematic behaviour is considered a result of a disorder or disease to be treated with medication -Behaviours considered a direct result of dysfunction of neurotransmitters -Dogs with hyperarousal, anxiety, fearfulness, phobias But behaviour is not always as simple as ABC or medication! 20XX presentation title 10 Psychobiological approach A modern scientific framework that considers all aspects of the animal including their physiological and psychological functioning. -Behaviours have a function (not necessarily related to reward or punishment) related to evolutionary goals -Social, behavioural needs, survival, etc -Biological factors influence behaviour: health can influence behaviour and learning -Animals have emotions that influence observed behaviours Psychobiological approach Requires thorough history taking and assessment Consideration for the underlying emotions Integration of the physiologic and psychologic contributions of behaviour What emotions do animals feel? Animals can have many feelings! Panksepp’s 7 primary affective systems: Seeking (expectancy/anticipation), fear, rage, lust, care, panic/grief (sadness/depression), play (social joy) Different learning occurs based on emotional state How emotions influence behaviour Animals want to experience positive states and avoid negative ones (basis for Five Domains): behaviour and learning help them do this! Failure to do so is related to depressive states caused by trauma, poor socialization, punishment, etc Negative cognitive bias: the dog always expects poor outcomes, low resilience for stressors How emotions influence behaviour Emotions serve as motivators for behaviour ie; behaviours performed are an outward sign of what is going on inside! Frustration, impulsivity, fear, anxiety, aggression Can you think of some positive emotions that drive behaviour???  Animals can display emotionally driven behaviour even if nothing “scary” or “bad” has happened The brain tries to see the future Our brains are designed to protect us and ensure survival Evidence that the brain uses multiple sources of information (past and present) to make predictions about what may happen in scenarios even if we have never actually encountered them. This is why ALL of an animal’s life experiences are important! Basics of how animals learn Desensitization and habituation: no food needed Desensitization: gradually increasing exposure to the stimuli at a level that doesn’t elicit a negative response Need to observe behaviour accurately and advance at the animal’s pace Habituation: exposure to stimuli until the animal stops responding Need to be very careful not to cause unnecessary stress that increases sensitivity or causes learned helplessness How do dogs learn? Classical conditioning Operant conditioning https://www.verywellmind.com/classical- vs-operant-conditioning-2794861 Classical conditioning Classical conditioning examples: Positive: Seeing the vet approaching is associated with getting a treat Negative: Seeing the vet approaching is associated with getting a needle Classical conditioning is always happening and its all about feelings! Operant Learning https://courses.lumenlearning.com/boundless-psychology/chapter/operant- conditioning/  So how do we address behaviour in practice? Ask questions Consider life history beyond just the problem(please don’t subject your clients to lengthy forms!) Ask broad open questions then narrow Avoid judgement (trusting clients will tell you more) Ask about goals/needs/limitations →ultimately, it’s the human that needs to put in the effort  Observe behaviour Species you’re working with will determine what is important to observe Prey animals: are they showing signs of hyperarousal, freezing, flight ie; avoidance Cats: pupils, vocalizations, posture Proximity and comfort with humans Triggers for unwanted behaviour Exploratory? Application of learning theory/behavioural approaches to your exam Allow habituation (an animal coming into a clinic will have heightened sensitivity to everything until they settle) Consider environmental factors and use of drugs if needed/possible Allow exploration: all animals want/need information! Application of learning theory/behavioural approaches to your exam Counter conditioning and shaping can be quickly and effectively applied when done skillfully Consider animal’s emotional state Have excellent timing: reward AFTER behaviour/procedure Utilize something the animal likes Don’t use force! 29 30 31 32 Questions?