Pet Care and Training Glossary

A dog's learned ability to moderate the force of its mouth. Developed during puppyhood through play with littermates.

Subtle body language cues dogs use to communicate peaceful intentions and defuse tension, as described by Turid Rugaas.

Marking and rewarding a naturally occurring behavior to bring it under stimulus control.

A learning process where an animal forms an association between a neutral stimulus and a biologically significant stimulus.

Changing an animal's emotional response to a trigger by pairing it with a highly valued reward.

Gradual exposure to a feared stimulus at sub-threshold intensity to reduce the fear response over time.

Activities, objects, and environments that provide mental and physical stimulation to meet an animal's behavioral needs.

The gradual decrease in a behavior when reinforcement for that behavior is withheld. Often accompanied by an initial extinction burst.

Forcing prolonged exposure to a feared stimulus at full intensity. Considered unethical and counterproductive by modern behaviorists.

A decrease in response to a stimulus after repeated, neutral exposure. The animal learns the stimulus is neither rewarding nor threatening.

A parasitic worm (Dirofilaria immitis) transmitted by mosquitoes that infects the heart and lungs of dogs and cats. Preventable with monthly medication.

Using a treat or toy to physically guide an animal into a desired position or behavior.

A distinct, consistent signal (click or verbal marker) that precisely identifies the moment a desired behavior occurs.

Removing a desired stimulus after an unwanted behavior to decrease its frequency. Example: withdrawing attention when a dog jumps.

Removing an aversive stimulus when a desired behavior is performed, increasing the likelihood of that behavior.

Adding an aversive stimulus after a behavior to decrease the likelihood of that behavior. Generally discouraged in modern training.

Adding a desirable stimulus after a behavior to increase the likelihood of that behavior recurring.

Defensive behavior displayed by an animal to retain control of valued items such as food, toys, or resting spots.

A behavioral disorder characterized by extreme distress when an animal is separated from its attachment figure.

Reinforcing successive approximations of a desired behavior until the final target behavior is achieved.

The process of exposing a young animal to varied stimuli during its critical developmental period to build confidence.

Surgical sterilization procedures (ovariohysterectomy/castration) that prevent reproduction and may reduce certain health and behavioral risks.

An essential amino acid for cats required for cardiac function and vision. Must be obtained through diet.

The intensity level of a stimulus at which an animal transitions from calm to reactive (fearful, anxious, or aggressive).

An infectious disease that can be transmitted between animals and humans, such as rabies or ringworm.