use the sources of this essay and cite them below in a works cited page by finding sources matching the description and thus forth: Title: Training a New Puppy Using Classical and Operant Conditioning Techniques

Introduction:
Bringing a new puppy home is always an exciting time, but it also requires a commitment to training the puppy in order to develop desired behaviors and reduce undesired ones. This essay will explain the techniques of classical and operant conditioning as applied to training a new puppy. The example of training the new puppy to bark on command using classical conditioning will be explored, with definitions and examples provided. Then, two types of operant conditioning will be discussed to increase desired puppy behaviors and decrease undesired ones.

1. Classical Conditioning and Barking on Command:
Classical conditioning is a form of learning that links a neutral stimulus with an unconditioned stimulus to create a conditioned response (Myers, 2014). In training the new puppy to bark on command, we can use classical conditioning taking advantage of the puppy’s natural tendency to bark when he sees another animal.

The neutral stimulus (NS) is a stimulus that initially does not evoke any natural response. In this case, the neutral stimulus would be a specific word or hand signal used to ask the puppy to bark. The unconditioned stimulus (UCS) is a stimulus that naturally elicits a response, such as the presence of another animal triggering the puppy to bark. The unconditioned response (UCR) is the natural response to the unconditioned stimulus, which would be the puppy’s barking when he sees another animal.

By repeatedly pairing the neutral stimulus with the unconditioned stimulus, the neutral stimulus becomes a conditioned stimulus (CS). In this example, the command word or hand signal becomes associated with the presence of another animal. The conditioned response (CR) is the learned response to the conditioned stimulus, which would be the puppy’s barking when given the command word or hand signal (Myers, 2014).

2. Operant Conditioning to Increase Desired Behaviors and Decrease Undesired Ones:
Operant conditioning is a form of learning in which an individual’s behavior is modified by consequences (Myers, 2014). Through operant conditioning, we can increase desired puppy behaviors and decrease undesired ones using various types of reinforcement and punishment.

Positive reinforcement involves something desirable being added following a behavior, making it more likely that the behavior will occur again (Myers, 2014). In training the puppy, positive reinforcement could be used when the puppy sits on command. The puppy would be given praise or a treat as a reward, making it more likely that he will sit on command in the future.

Negative reinforcement involves something undesirable being removed following a behavior, also making it more likely that the behavior will occur again (Myers, 2014). An example of this in puppy training could involve leash training. If the puppy pulls on the leash during walks, the trainer can stop walking and only resume walking once the puppy stops pulling. In this case, the undesired behavior (pulling) is reduced by the removal of something undesirable (the walk being interrupted) when the puppy stops pulling on the leash.

Conclusion:
Training a new puppy can be an enjoyable and successful process when utilizing the principles of classical and operant conditioning. Through classical conditioning, the puppy can learn to perform a variety of behaviors, such as barking on command, by associating a neutral stimulus with an unconditioned stimulus. In our example, the puppy learns to bark on command when a specific word or hand signal, which was initially a neutral stimulus, becomes associated with the presence of another animal triggering the puppy to bark.