Conditioned reflexes differ from unconditioned reflexes in diversity and inconstancy. Therefore, there is no clear division of conditioned reflexes and their specific classification. Based on the needs of the theory and practice of dog training, the main types and varieties of conditioned reflexes are distinguished.

Natural conditioned reflexes are formed on the constant natural properties and qualities of the unconditioned stimulus. For example, in a dog, natural conditioned reflexes are formed to the sight, smell, and taste of food. They can be formed on the appearance, voice, smell, certain actions of the trainer and his assistant, on the training suit, raincoat, fetching object, rod, whip, stick and other items used in dog training, as well as on the environment and conditions in which which the dog is trained. These reflexes are easily and quickly formed and persist for a long time in the absence of subsequent reinforcements. For example, it is enough for a dog to apply painful irritations with a leash 1-2 times, and he will be afraid of only one type of leash. Most of the natural conditioned reflexes in dogs are used as the basis for developing other conditioned reflexes needed in the service.

Artificial conditioned reflexes. Unlike natural ones, they are formed on extraneous stimuli that do not have the natural signs of an unconditioned stimulus, but coincide in time with its action. So, when training for sound signals - commands, a bell, a whistle, a buzzer, visual gestures, lighting a light bulb, as well as for smell and other stimuli in dogs, artificial conditioned reflexes are continuously and in large numbers formed. They have an important signal-preemptive and adaptive value to continuously changing environmental conditions. A distinctive feature of all artificial conditioned reflexes is slow formation with a large number of combinations. In addition, they are easily slowed down and quickly fade away when not reinforced. More difficult is the formation of a stable and reliable skill from an artificial conditioned reflex.

Conditioned reflexes of the first, second and higher orders. Responses formed on the basis of unconditioned reflexes are called conditioned reflexes of the first order, and reflexes developed on the basis of previously acquired conditioned reflexes (skills) are called conditioned reflexes of the second, third and higher order.

The mechanism of formation of a second-order conditioned reflex can be explained by the example of teaching a dog to work by gestures to control its behavior at a distance. First, first-order conditioned reflexes to the corresponding commands are developed by reinforcing them with unconditional influences. After these conditioned reflexes have been consolidated into skills, second-order conditioned reflexes can be developed on their basis to gestures or other signals without reinforcement by unconditioned stimuli.

Conditioned reflexes of searching the area, searching for a scent trail, sampling things by smell are developed according to the principle of the formation of conditioned reflexes of the second, and sometimes third order.

The significance of higher-order conditioned reflexes in training lies in the fact that they not only ensure the formation of complex skills in response to various signals of the trainer, but also contribute to the manifestation of extrapolative reflexes in a difficult environment.

Positive conditioned reflexes. Conditioned reflexes, the basis of the formation and manifestation of which are the processes of excitation and the vigorous activity of the animal, are called positive reflexes. They are mainly related to the dog's motor reactions. The majority of general disciplinary and special skills also constitute positive conditioned reflexes. For example, overcoming obstacles, crawling, moving a dog along a trail, finding and carrying things, detaining an assistant, and other complex actions of a dog include processes of strong and prolonged excitation of the nerve centers of the cerebral cortex. Some positive conditioned reflexes are replaced by others or end with inhibition in order to stop the active actions of the dog.

Negative conditioned reflexes. Conditioned reflexes developed on the basis of the process of inhibition are called negative. Inhibitory conditioned reflexes for the body are as important as positive ones. In combination with each other, they make up the majority of complex skills that balance the behavior of the dog, make it disciplined, free the body from unnecessary excitations and positive conditioned reflexes that have lost their meaning. Negative conditioned reflexes include the cessation of undesirable actions by the dog, endurance during landing, laying and standing, differentiation of smells when working by instinct, etc.

Conditioned reflexes for time. The expedient rhythm in the behavior of a trained dog is explained by conditioned reflexes to time, which are formed for time intervals in the mode of care, feeding, training, work and rest during the day, week, month and even year. As a result, biorhythms of active and passive, working and non-working states, periods of effective and ineffective training are formed in the dog's behavior. When training dogs for various combinations of conditioned stimuli with unconditioned stimuli, coinciding, delayed, delayed and trace conditioned reflexes are formed in time.

A coinciding conditioned reflex is formed when a signal - a command is applied simultaneously or 0.5–2 seconds earlier than the unconditioned stimulus. The response occurs immediately after a command or gesture is given. When training dogs, as a rule, coinciding conditioned reflexes should be developed. In these cases, the dog's responses to commands and gestures are clear, energetic, and the developed conditioned reflex lasts longer and is resistant to inhibition.

A delayed conditioned reflex is formed when the action of a signal - a command, a gesture is reinforced by an unconditioned stimulus with a delay of 3-30 seconds. The response of such a reflex to a conditioned signal manifests itself for a delayed time of reinforcement with an unconditioned stimulus. For example, if the trainer reinforces the “Lie down” command by influencing the dog after 5 seconds, then the resulting conditioned reflex does not appear immediately, that is, the dog lies down 5 seconds after the command is given.

Such reflexes in dogs are the result of a violation of the methods and techniques of training.

Delayed conditioned reflexes are more common in dogs assigned to slow trainers.

A delayed conditioned reflex is formed during prolonged action of a conditioned stimulus and its late reinforcement with an unconditioned one. In the practice of training, delayed conditioned reflexes are formed in a dog when the trainer reinforces with an unconditioned stimulus not the first command, but its multiple repetitions. Similar mistakes can be observed when controlling a dog at a distance and without a leash. In this case, the trainer cannot quickly influence the dog, and is forced to re-issue commands to make it perform the desired action. The resulting conditioned reflex manifests itself with a great delay, i.e., after repeated repetition of a command or gesture.

A trace conditioned reflex is developed on the basis of a trace of excitation in the central nervous system caused by a conditioned stimulus, when reinforced by the action of an unconditioned stimulus after some time. Between the fading focus of excitation from the conditioned stimulus and the focus of excitation from the action of the unconditioned stimulus, a temporary connection is formed in the cortex, called the trace conditioned reflex. The development of such conditioned reflexes in dogs proceeds with great difficulty. A trace conditioned reflex can form faster if the signal stimulus has a long-term stimulating value for the dog, and the unconditioned stimulus causes a strong excitatory or inhibitory reaction. For example, the “Listen” command, reinforced by the actions of the helper after 1-2 hours, causes the dog to be alert and expect the helper within this period of time.

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Theoretical foundations of service dog training

Dogs are prepared for official use by training.

Training- this is the process of consistent development and consolidation in the dog of the actions needed by the person. The main goal of training is to change the behavior of the dog in the intended direction and achieve the desired actions from it, for example, searching for an intruder on the trail left by him, protecting housing or any object, etc. Dog training always solves two main tasks: - firstly, it provides good obedience () of the dog and, secondly, it specializes the dog for use in a certain type of service (guard, search, protective guard, riding, etc.). In this regard, it is customary to distinguish general and special training.

In the process of training, the impact of a person on a dog and its behavior are closely related. Behavior is the totality of all the actions of an animal, with the help of which the body adapts to environmental conditions and satisfies its vital needs. The body of a dog has certain natural features that affect its behavior and service use. So, most dogs have a significant viciousness and are able not only to actively defend themselves, but also to attack.

Dogs are distinguished by well-developed sense organs. The sense of smell allows them to accurately differentiate various smells and track down an animal or person along the trail left. Due to their fine hearing, dogs perceive faint sounds and distant rustles better than humans. Despite the fact that the dog's organs of vision poorly distinguish colors, it perceives the movement and shape of all kinds of objects well. Dogs quickly terrain and are well oriented in the new environment.

The behavior of a trained dog is characterized by the fact that it largely depends on the trainer, who, by his influences, induces the dog to perform certain actions (landing or packing, guarding things, working on the trail, etc.).

The behavior of an untrained dog is determined only by its vital needs (hunger, self-defense, sexual desire, etc.) and stimuli acting from the environment.

In order to successfully conduct training, you must be able to correctly evaluate your actions in relation to the dog and understand well the peculiarities of its behavior. And for this it is necessary to know the theoretical foundations of training, which determine the basic principles and rules of training.

The theoretical foundations of training are based on the teachings of the famous Russian physiologist Academician I.P. Pavlov (1849–1936) on higher nervous activity.

Academician Pavlov called the highest unequal activity the work of the cerebral hemispheres to establish a connection between the body and the environment. Knowledge of the fundamentals of Pavlov's doctrine of higher nervous activity as applied to training makes it possible to construct the trainer's work not, but consciously. A trainer with such knowledge understands well all the tasks that arise before him and correctly selects the most suitable methods and techniques for influencing the dog to solve them.

Knowledge of the theoretical foundations of training allows the trainer to show reasonable initiative and creativity in training service dogs.

1. Unconditioned reflexes and instincts

Dog behavior is determined by the activity of the central nervous system and environmental influences. Any effect on a living organism that causes a response - a reaction from the latter, is called irritant. The central nervous system connects the dog's body with a variety of environmental stimuli through reflexes. Reflex is the response of the central nervous system to a stimulus. If, for example, a piece of food enters the dog's oral cavity, then it will affect the perceiving endings of the sensory - centripetal, gustatory nerve, which are located in the dog's oral cavity and form a gustatory receptor. Irritation from this receptor is transmitted to the central nervous system. The latter switches the perceived irritation to the executive - centrifugal nerve fibers, through which the irritation is directed to the working organs: salivary glands, swallowing muscles. As a result of this, reflexes arise: the release of saliva and the ingestion of food.

The anatomical basis of any reflex is the reflex arc. reflex arc called the nerve path along which irritation passes from the perceiving receptor organ, through the central nervous system to the executive working organs - muscles or glands (Fig. 22). The main receptor organs of the dog are the organs of smell, hearing, sight, touch, taste. Depending on how many reflex arcs are involved in the implementation of the reflex, simple and complex reflexes are distinguished. Thus, the withdrawal of the dog's paw during a prick will be a simpler reflex than the reflex of the dog sitting down when the trainer presses on its croup or than the dog's attack.

Rice. 22. Scheme of the reflex arc

1 - skin; 2 - skeletal muscles; 3 - sensitive nerve; 4 - motor nerve; 5 - nerve cell of a sensitive neuron; 6 - nerve cell of a motor neuron; 7 - gray matter of the spinal cord; 8 - white matter of the spinal cord

Reflexes should also be distinguished by origin. Academician Pavlov divided the reflexes of a dog and other animals into unconditioned and conditioned. An innate reflex is called unconditioned, which is persistently inherited from parents to offspring. A striking example of such a reflex is the food or sexual reflex. Conditioned reflexes- These are reflexes acquired during the life of the animal. An example of such reflexes can be all the actions of a dog, which it performs in the process of training. In this sense, training is a process of consistently developing stable conditioned reflexes in a dog to perform various actions at the request of the trainer. Conditioned reflexes are developed on the basis of unconditioned congenital ones, so the trainer must know well the unconditioned reflexes inherent in dogs.

Academician Pavlov distinguished four main unconditioned reflexes in dogs: orienting-exploratory, food, defensive and sexual. These reflexes are the radiant nerve; constitute the innate basis of dog behavior and belong to complex unconditioned reflexes. Such reflexes are usually denoted by the term. Instinct is a complex unconditioned reflex, which is the hereditary-conditioned basis of animal behavior and is aimed at satisfying a certain need of the body: food, self-defense, sexual, parental, etc. According to their biological significance, the instincts are divided into two groups: the instincts of self-preservation and the instincts of the preservation of the species. The first group includes instincts that ensure the existence of each dog or other animal separately. Food and defensive reflexes belong to such instincts. The second group includes instincts aimed at obtaining and preserving offspring. This includes sexual and parental instincts.

The great importance of instincts in the behavior of animals was pointed out by the founder of evolutionary theory, Charles Darwin, in his brilliant work. Of great importance are complex unconditioned reflexes-instincts for the training of animals. The well-known trainer V. L. Durov has repeatedly noted that one of the basic principles of training is. For example, in the process of working out the general course of training, the so-called (landing, laying, standing still, jumping, running, etc.) are widely used, which manifest themselves in all dogs as unconditioned reflexes even before training. The task of the trainer is to achieve the manifestation of these reflexes on demand - on the signals of the trainer and to bring up the dog's endurance in a certain position, adopted by one or another signal (for example, by a command or an appropriate gesture). Teaching a dog to give an object on a sound signal is also based (on the use of the grasping reflex of an object moving in front of the dog's muzzle. This unconditioned grasping reflex is well manifested in most dogs.

Particularly important for the training of service dogs are complex unconditioned reflexes related to instincts. It - orienting-exploratory, food, defensive and sexual reflexes.

Orienting reflex arises as a result of the action on the dog of various new stimuli. Thanks to this reflex, the dog gets acquainted with a new environment or an unfamiliar stimulus. In the process of adapting the dog's body to the environment, as well as in the process of training, this reflex becomes more complicated. As a result, the dog exhibits complicated actions, such as searching for a departed owner, searching for a criminal on the trail, etc.

food reflex manifests itself in a hungry dog ​​in the search for and eating food. The manifestation of the food reflex is of great practical importance in training. Based on the use of this reflex, dogs are taught to carry loads and mine detective service.

defensive reflex serves as protection against adverse influences or attacks and manifests itself in two forms: active-defensive and passive-defensive. The manifestation of an active-defensive reflex (malice) ensures the use of dogs in guard, guard and search services. In contrast to the active-defensive reflex, a strong manifestation of the passive-defensive reflex (cowardice) negatively affects the training and work of dogs. A cowardly dog ​​slowly gets used to the trainer and its performance decreases sharply under the influence of various extraneous stimuli (shot, noise, etc.).

sexual reflex occurs during sexual arousal. This reflex is not used directly in training, but is of great indirect importance. Special studies and practical experience show that females are somewhat easier to train than males, but males are more hardy than females. A strongly pronounced sexual reflex (especially in males) negatively affects training, as it causes distractions.

Approximate, defensive, food and sexual reflexes are manifested in dogs in different ways. It depends on heredity, the general physiological state of the body and the influence of the environment (including upbringing).

Studies have shown that the defensive reflex in active-defensive and passive-defensive forms is inherited to a certain extent in dogs. However, the nature of the manifestation of the defensive reaction (active or passive form) also depends on the environment, in particular on education. It has been established, for example, that puppies brought up in a cage show characteristic cowardice, in contrast to puppies brought up in freedom, provided that they interact extensively with various stimuli. From this it is clear how important the education of puppies is for the subsequent behavior of an adult dog. The manifestation of complex reflexes - instincts also depends on the general physiological state of the dog (hunger, estrus, illness, etc.). So, in a hungry dog, the food instinct will be more pronounced than in a well-fed one. In a pregnant female, in the presence of puppies, the defensive complex reflex very often manifests itself in an active form, even if in this dog it did not appear before whelping. In this case, this reflex is aimed at protecting the puppies and is of great biological importance.

A complex reflex of the instinct type, the most pronounced in a given dog and dominating its behavior, is called the prevailing reaction. Constantly and strongly expressed predominant reactions are of great importance for dog training. In this regard, dogs with a strongly pronounced active-defensive reaction (malice) are best used on guard duty. If a dog's food reaction predominates, which is usually accompanied by gullibility towards people who give it food, then it is advisable to use such a dog for carrying light loads or for the Minor Detective Service.

In addition to food and defensive reactions, orienting or sexual reactions may temporarily predominate. In the case of a predominance of the orienting reaction, the dog peers, listens, as if looking for something, the slightest noise brings it out of a state of rest. The predominance of the sexual reaction is usually observed in males, if there is an empty bitch nearby.

The orienting reaction should be well expressed in every dog ​​intended for official use, however, a sharp predominance of such a reaction is undesirable, as this will distract the dog during training. A strong sexual reaction also negatively affects training, as it causes distraction. When training, it must be taken into account that in most dogs the sexual reaction prevails only at certain times of the year (especially in spring).

At the heart of the emergence and manifestation of the predominant reaction is the phenomenon of the dominant. The essence of this phenomenon lies in the fact that under certain conditions in the nerve centers that cause the manifestation of one or another reflex, a persistent excitation may arise that prevails over the excitation of other nerve centers. As a result, all reflexes that depend on the center with the greatest excitation acquire the greatest strength and stability of manifestation and form a predominant reaction.

2. Conditioned reflexes

If unconditioned reflexes are the innate basis of dog behavior, then conditioned reflexes are acquired by the animal in the process of life.

In service dog breeding, various conditioned reflexes necessary for the official use of dogs are developed on the basis of unconditioned reflexes in the process of training.

Conditioned reflexes are produced only under certain conditions, which is why Academician Pavlov gave them such a name. The main condition is the coincidence in time of the action of two stimuli, one of which is unconditioned and causes a certain unconditioned reflex (for example, salivation), and the other - any stimulus of the external environment (sound, light) that does not matter for this unconditioned reflex. The mechanism for the formation of a conditioned reflex, according to the experiments of Academician Pavlov and his students, is as follows.

If, before giving food to the dog, the bell placed near it (fig. 23) is ringed, the following will happen. When food enters the dog's mouth, it causes irritation, which is transmitted to the food center of the unconditioned reflex located in the medulla oblongata. A center of excitation will appear in the food center, irritation will be corrected to the salivary gland, which will begin to secrete saliva. This will be the path of the reflex arc of the unconditioned reflex. At the same time, irritation from the medulla oblongata will go to the food center of the cerebral cortex, where a focus of excitation will also arise. Since before receiving food or simultaneously with it, the dog will be affected by a sound stimulus (the ringing of a bell), then a focus of excitation also appears in the auditory center, located in the temporal part of the cerebral cortex. Consequently, three foci of excitation will simultaneously exist in the dog's brain, and a certain neural connection (short circuit) will be established between them.

Rice. 23. Scheme of the formation of a conditioned reflex

1 - sensory nerve of the tongue; 2 - salivary gland; 3 - cranium; 4 - food cortical center; 5 - auditory sensory nerve; 6 - auditory nerve center; 7 - connecting nerve pathway; 8 - food unconditional center; 9 - medulla oblongata; 10 - motor (secretory) nerve

After the formation of such a circuit between the nerve centers, it will be enough to influence the dog with only one sound stimulation. Having reached the auditory center, it will follow the beaten path to the food cortical center, and from there to the food center of the medulla oblongata. Then it will pass along the motor-secretory nerve to the salivary gland and cause salivation in the absence of a food unconditioned stimulus. Consequently, as a result of the development of a conditioned reflex to any stimulus, the latter acquires the value of a signal for the manifestation of a certain reflex. Thanks to this, the body is prepared in advance for food intake (as was the case described) and its adaptability to the environment increases.

According to the described scheme, conditioned reflexes to any stimulus are developed. The same principle underlies the training of a dog to perform any action on command in the process of training. For example, in order to teach a dog to sit down on command, it is necessary to form a conditioned reflex to this command, using a stimulus that would evoke in the dog an unconditioned landing reflex. To do this, the trainer, pronouncing the command, strongly presses the dog's croup with his hand; showing a protective reflex, the dog lowers its backside and sits down. After a series of such repeated combinations of commands with pressing on the croup, the dog will develop a conditioned reflex to the command, and it will sit down at one order of the trainer.

Most of the actions that the dog learns to perform in the process of training according to the conditioned signals of the trainer differ from ordinary conditioned reflexes (for example, the conditioned salivation reflex) in their complexity. Studies have shown that these actions are complex motor reactions, consisting of a system of reflexes. Such systems of reflexes are usually called skills. Skills are complex conditioned reflexes, unlike instincts, which are complex unconditioned reflexes.

Skills are formed as a result of a long exercise, which consists of a series of repeated actions. During the exercise, new temporary connections are formed, which are gradually differentiated and refined. The result is greater clarity in the performance of the skills necessary to use the dog. Each skill is worked out in the process of training.

A training technique is a set of sequential actions of a trainer aimed at educating a dog in a certain skill.

Each technique is worked out by the trainer in a certain sequence. First, the trainer develops in the dog an initial conditioned reflex to a command or gesture based on unconditioned stimuli. Then the initially developed conditioned reflex is complicated to a skill. And, finally, the skill developed by the dog is fixed in the process of working in various conditions.

3. Unconditioned and conditioned stimuli used in dog training

When developing conditioned reflexes in dogs, unconditional and conditional irritants. The former cause the manifestation of the necessary unconditioned reflex, the latter are stimuli to which conditioned reflexes are developed.

Influencing the dog with an unconditioned stimulus, the trainer causes an unconditioned reflex (food, defensive, etc.). The use of a conditioned stimulus allows you to educate conditioned reflex.

Conditioned stimuli are, for example, commands, etc. Mechanical and food stimuli are used as the main unconditioned stimuli in dog training according to the general course. They cause the manifestation of various reflexes that protect the animal from adverse effects (defensive reflex) or receive food (food reflex). Mechanical and food stimuli induce the dog to perform a certain action and reinforce the produced conditioned reflexes.

Let us dwell in more detail on the characteristics of mechanical unconditioned stimuli, which include stroking, hand pressure, jerking the leash, exposure to a strict collar, and, as an exception, blows with a whip. The choice of the nature and strength of the mechanical stimulus during training depends on the characteristics of the practiced technique and the characteristics of the dog's nervous system. It is known, for example, that in order to reinforce actions performed by a dog, a mechanical stimulus is used in the form of stroking. Stroking is accompanied by slight tactile skin irritations that cause a positive reaction in the dog (petting, squealing, tail wagging). But the same trainer's hand can become an irritant that causes an unconditioned landing reflex. In this case, the trainer strongly presses the dog's croup, which causes irritation not only of the skin, but also of the muscles of the croup and the occurrence of a skin-muscle reflex. Here, the mechanical stimulus has a different meaning and is associated with the manifestation of a positional reflex in the dog - landing. Finally, the same hand of the trainer, striking the dog with a whip, causes not only musculoskeletal, but also painful irritations, which are accompanied by the manifestation of a defensive reflex in a passive form. Consequently, the nature of the impact of a mechanical stimulus is not the same in different cases, and the trainer's task is to skillfully apply the appropriate stimulus.

It must be remembered that the excessive use of mechanical stimuli of great force during training causes in many dogs a long-term depressed state (a state of inhibition), which is sometimes accompanied even by the manifestation of a passive-defensive reaction - the trainer. This should be avoided.

When training according to a special course (guard, protective guard, search and other services), mechanical stimuli are used in order to cause a defensive reflex in the dog in an active form (development of anger). For this purpose, a straw tourniquet or a flexible rod is recommended as an irritant, which will not cause excessively strong pain irritations to the animal. Food unconditioned stimuli (delicacy) used in training include finely chopped boiled meat, bread, breadcrumbs, biscuits, etc. A food unconditioned stimulus, like a mechanical stimulus, is necessary in order to evoke in the dog the initial desire for the trainer action and fix the action that the dog performed at the request of the trainer. When the dog performs, for example, sitting or laying down under the influence of a food stimulus or while accustoming it to approach on command, the treat not only evokes the initial action of the dog, but also reinforces the action that it performed at the command of the trainer. In other cases, the treat is used only to reinforce the actions of the dog, performed under the influence of various mechanical stimuli.

During training, a treat should be given in such a way that the dog is in receipt of it, i.e., so that it manifests food excitement for the treat. This can be achieved in two ways. Firstly, by holding a lesson before feeding or two to four hours after it, and secondly, by giving treats in small pieces. In this case, you should first show a treat and, as it were, tease the dog. As a result, her food excitability () will increase and the strength of the food stimulus will increase. The treat should only be given to the dog after it has performed the desired action.

The main conditioned stimuli to which certain conditioned reflexes are brought up in the process of training are commands and gestures. A command is a sound stimulus, which is a strictly defined word assigned to each training technique. For example, the command is used to call the dog to the trainer, the command is for landing, the command is for protecting things, the command is for tracking work, etc. Short, clear-sounding words should be chosen as commands and words similar to each other should be avoided. Each command is a complex sound stimulus for the dog. A certain combination of sounds distinguishes one team from another.

When giving commands, intonation is also of great importance. In training, three intonations are distinguished when using commands: command (usual), affectionate or encouraging and threatening. A command in a normal or command intonation is pronounced quite loudly, with a touch of exactingness, a command in a threatening intonation is pronounced sharply, strictly and in a raised tone. It must be remembered that the importance of intonation in training is very high, since dogs have a finely developed auditory analyzer, due to which they distinguish the slightest changes in tone. In accordance with this, they form conditioned reflexes to different intonations of the voice giving the same command. This allows the trainer, if necessary, to increase the impact of the command on the dog. To do this, the dog is taught to distinguish (differentiate) different intonations well. For example, when developing a conditioned reflex to a command given in an orderly intonation, the trainer pronounces the command in a normal tone and reinforces it with a slight jerk of the leash. After repeated repetition of such a combination, the dog will establish a conditioned reflex and, on command, it will always go at the trainer's foot. If, after the establishment of a conditioned reflex to the command, the dog does not perform this action, then the command must be pronounced in a threatening intonation, accompanied by a stronger jerk of the leash. As a result of such reinforcement of the same command, pronounced with different intonation and accompanied by unconditioned stimuli of different strength, the dog will learn to clearly distinguish the meaning of intonation.

An affectionate, encouraging intonation, in which an exclamation should always be pronounced, is fixed in the dog by the influence of food and tactile-skin stimuli.

Commands pronounced in words and assigned to each of the training techniques should in no case be changed. This cannot be done for two reasons. Firstly, each command is a sound stimulus, to which a certain conditioned reflex is established in the process of training. The more constant and monotonous the command is, the faster the necessary conditioned reflex is established on the command. Secondly, the constancy and uniformity of commands is very important in cases of transferring a trained dog to another trainer. If the training of the dog was carried out correctly, then the new trainer should only accustom the dog to him, and he will follow the commands without fail.

Thus, the uniformity and constancy of commands greatly facilitates the use of dogs. Each command must be pronounced accurately, clearly, in a sufficiently loud voice, with the correct stress.

When working with a dog that has sufficiently fixed conditioned reflexes to commands, the following rules should be followed:

1. Initially, always use the command in an orderly, ordinary intonation.

2. If the dog does not perform the action, repeat the command in a threatening tone. The secondary repetition of the command in a threatening intonation must be accompanied by the use of an unconditioned stimulus (coercion). It should be remembered that repeated repetition of the same command (if the dog does not comply with it), not supported by the corresponding unconditioned stimulus, leads to the extinction of the conditioned reflex to this command. Each action of the dog, performed at the command of the trainer, must be reinforced by giving treats, stroking or exclamation.

As sound conditioned stimuli in dog training, in addition to verbal commands, various sound signals are used, such as a whistle, etc. Sound signals can usually be successfully used to control the actions of the dog at a distance, for example, to call a dog to a trainer.

As visual conditioned stimuli in dog training gestures are used.

A gesture is a specific movement of the trainer's hand, set for each technique. Most often, commands are replaced by gestures when controlling a dog at a distance, in reconnaissance or ambush, during group exercises, etc.

Gesture as a conditioned stimulus has for the dog the meaning of a command, only not of a sound order, but of a visual order.

4. Coercion, encouragement and prohibition as the main factors of training

Coercion, encouragement and prohibition are the main training factors that ensure the control of the dog's behavior and the smooth execution of all the actions required of it.

Under coercion, it is customary to understand the totality of the actions of the trainer, the dog to show certain reflexes. Encouragement is a way of fixing the desired actions in a dog (conditioned reflexes - skills). Under the prohibition is understood the termination by the dog of actions undesirable for the trainer.

The trainer must be able to correctly and timely use each of the listed factors.

Coercion can be applied in the form of various effects on the dog's nervous system. This includes, first of all, the use of unconditioned stimuli of the order, more significant in strength than those usually used (a strong jerk by the leash, significant pressure on any part of the dog's body, exposure to a strict collar, a blow with a whip, etc.). With the help of coercion as an unconditional stimulus, the trainer induces in the dog the manifestation of various reflexes that are directly related to the instinct of self-defense.

Coercion should be used in cases where it is necessary to increase the pressure on the dog in order to achieve the desired action. It, for example, must be used in the process of training most dogs of a highly excitable type when practicing a technique. In this case, the coercion will be a jerk of the leash through a strict collar. Coercion is, first of all, one of the trainer's auxiliary influences on the dog in cases where it is necessary to strengthen the influence on the dog.

It is especially important to use coercion when controlling the dog's behavior, during the period of skill consolidation, when the dog learns to perform skills in increasingly difficult conditions. Naturally, at this time the dog can easily and often be distracted by strong stimuli. The failure-free performance of one or another skill can also be impaired as a result of a change in the state of the dog's body (hunger, sexual arousal, lethargy, absence, etc.). In all cases, except those described, as coercion, you can successfully use a command given in a threatening intonation (conditional coercion).

The best results can be achieved when coercion is properly combined with encouragement, which is the basis contrast method of training. In this case, coercion is used as a factor forcing the dog to perform a certain action, and encouragement (giving treats, smoothing, exclamation) - to secure correctly performed action.

Reward is a set of actions of the trainer used to reinforce the action performed by the dog. In other words, reward is a way of reinforcing conditioned reflexes that make up a particular skill.

As a reward, they use a treat (an unconditioned food stimulus), affection - stroking a dog (a tactile-skin stimulus) and, finally, an exclamation (a conditioned stimulus). In the initial establishment of a conditioned reflex to a command and the development of most general training techniques, giving treats and smoothing the dog, always accompanied by an exclamation, are of the greatest importance. As a result, the exclamation quickly acquires the value of a conditioned stimulus to reward the dog.

After a persistent conditioned reflex to a sound stimulus has been established, the exclamation can be used as a conditioned reward, without accompanying it with giving treats and stroking. To avoid the extinction of the conditioned reflex to an exclamation, this conditioned stimulus should be periodically accompanied by an unconditioned reinforcement (delicacy, smoothing).

Encouragement is not limited to the use of these unconditioned and conditioned stimuli. In some special training techniques, the reward will be the satisfaction of a certain biological need of the animal.

So, when practicing a technique accepted by a dog on command, the reward will be the satisfaction of the biological need of the dog's body for movement and for the manifestation of the freedom reflex.

During the development of malice in the dog and the education of protective and defensive skills, the role of encouragement acquires anger (with the permission of the trainer, the dog grabs and shakes the attacking assistant). At the same time, it is recommended to use a conditional encouragement - an exclamation.

Reward can also be used as one of the factors inducing the dog to perform some action or causing an increased manifestation of an already established conditioned reflex. For example, by calling a dog that is in a free state, the trainer can reinforce the effect of the command by combining this command with an exclamation. This use of an exclamation is of particular importance in cases where the dog is exhibiting approaching the handler or is in a state of sequential inhibition that has arisen under the action of a previously given command, such as a command.

Prohibition as a training factor is intended to stop the dog from doing unwanted things. As a prohibition, a strong mechanical stimulus is used (a strong jerk with a leash, a strict collar, a blow with a whip) in combination with a sound stimulus (command). As a result of repeated combinations, a stable reflex is established on the command and it acquires the value of a conditional brake. In the process of developing a conditioned reflex to a command, the use of a strong mechanical stimulus must coincide with the moment the dog performs an undesirable action. In the future, the team is used not only to stop the undesirable actions of the dog, but also to prevent them. In no case should you abuse the use of the command. Being a strong inhibitory stimulus, it can cause the phenomenon of sequential inhibition. For example, a dog may develop inhibition in approaching a handler, overcoming obstacles, etc. if they follow a command. In addition, with frequent repetition of a command that is not reinforced by an unconditioned stimulus, its effect on the dog gradually weakens (fading of the conditioned reflex develops). Therefore, as a rule, if one or another basic command can be used, enhancing its effect on the dog with a threatening intonation, then the use of the command should be avoided.

Imagine such a case. The trainer is at a distance from the dog and gives the command. At this point, some distracting stimulus appeared in front of the dog. As a result, the dog, without leaving the place, is distracted (shows an orienting reaction). What should the trainer do? He must apply not a command, but command, but in a threatening tone. If the dog, as a result of the distraction, runs towards the distracting stimulus, then a command will need to be used here.

The team must be aware of all unwanted distractions and actions of the dog causing the phenomenon. external braking. In this case, the click is, as it were, knocked out by a wedge, i.e., the action of one stimulus is inhibited by the action of another, stronger stimulus.

5. Basic methods and techniques of training

The main tasks of the trainer are to get the dog to perform the desired action (cause the manifestation of the corresponding unconditioned reflex), as well as to develop and fix the conditioned reflex to a specific stimulus (sound command or gesture). To achieve this, certain methods and techniques of influencing the dog are used in training.

There are four main methods of training: taste-encouragement, mechanical, contrast, imitative.

Taste-reward training method consists in the fact that the stimulus that prompts the dog to perform the desired action is a food stimulus. At the same time, the type and smell of the food stimulus is used to encourage the dog to perform the desired action, and giving a treat is used to reinforce the performed action.

The taste-encouraging method of training is used in the development of many general and special training techniques. An ardent supporter and propagandist of this method was the famous Soviet trainer V. L. Durov, who believed that training should be based on the principle of satisfying a certain biological need of the animal, and above all, the need for food.

Indeed, the taste-rewarding method of training has a number of positive aspects. With its help, most of the conditioned reflexes are quickly formed in the dog. A large dog is observed in the performance of the skills developed in this way, contact with the trainer is strengthened, a large dog also appears.

However, along with this taste-rewarding method of training, it also has certain disadvantages. It does not provide trouble-free execution of techniques, especially in the presence of distracting stimuli; the performance of the necessary actions may weaken or disappear during the period of satiety of the animal; using only this method it is impossible to develop all the necessary skills.

The essence of the mechanical method of training consists in the fact that various mechanical stimuli are used as an unconditioned stimulus, causing a protective defensive reflex in the dog (for example, the landing reflex when pressing the dog's croup with a hand). In this case, the mechanical stimulus not only evokes the initial action in the dog (unconditioned reflex), but is also used to reinforce the conditioned reflex (smoothing). A characteristic feature of the training method under consideration is that in this case the dog performs the actions desired by the trainer under compulsion.

The positive side of the mechanical method of training lies in the fact that all actions are firmly fixed and smoothly performed by the dog in familiar conditions.

The negative aspects of the mechanical method of training include the fact that its frequent use causes in some dogs a depressed inhibitory state and a manifestation of a distrustful attitude towards the trainer (in dogs with a passive-defensive reaction, this manifests itself in the form of fear and cowardice, vicious dogs try to bite the trainer). Only this method is impossible to develop all the necessary skills.

The mechanical method is of great importance in the process of training for some special services. Thus, the training of a dog in the guard, protective guard and search services is mainly based on the use of mechanical stimuli (the movements of an assistant teasing the dog, striking, etc.). In this case, the use of this method is designed to excite a defensive reaction in the dog in an active-defensive form.

contrast method is the main method of training service dogs. The essence of this method consists in a certain combination of mechanical and incentive effects on the dog (giving treats, stroking, command). At the same time, mechanical stimuli are used to encourage the dog to perform desired actions, and reward stimuli are used to reinforce these actions. For example, in order to teach a dog to perform a landing using a contrast method, the trainer acts as follows. Holding the dog on a short leash at the left leg in a standing position, the trainer gives the command. After that, with his left hand, he presses on the croup of the dog, pressing the se down, and with his right hand he jerks the leash up. After such exposure to an unconditioned mechanical stimulus, the dog lands. The trainer reinforces this action by giving treats and smoothing, as a result, the dog establishes a conditioned reflex to the command.

This method of training has the merits of the gustatory and mechanical methods.

The advantage of the contrast method; fast and stable consolidation of conditioned reflexes to certain commands; a clear and willing performance by the dog of all the actions worked out by this method due to the presence of (food arousal); maintaining and strengthening the contact between the trainer and the dog; failure-free performance by the dog of the practiced actions in complicated conditions (in the presence of distractions, etc.).

Experience has shown that the contrast method speeds up the training process and ensures the dog's trouble-free operation in various environmental conditions. This is the main value of the contrast method.

imitative method used in dog training as an auxiliary method. For example, when viciousness develops and barking becomes persistent in a guard dog, the use of a vicious, well-barked dog may stimulate the expression of viciousness in a less excitable, poorly barked dog. Practicing overcoming obstacles can also be done by imitation. This method can be especially widely used in the practice of raising puppies.

6. Processes of excitation and inhibition

Nervous activity is based on two processes - excitation and inhibition.

Excitation of certain sections of the nerve centers of the central nervous system is manifested in the corresponding actions (reflexes) of the dog. For example, when exposed to a sound stimulus, the dog listens, when a smell appears, it sniffs, etc. Most of the conditioned reflexes are developed in a dog during training based on the process of excitation. These reflexes are called positive conditioned reflexes.

Inhibition is an active process of nervous activity, opposite to excitation and causing a delay in reflexes. Conditioned reflexes that are developed in a dog based on the use of an inhibitory process are called inhibitory or negative. A striking example of such a reflex is the prohibition of undesirable actions of the dog on command.

Academician Pavlov established certain patterns in the manifestation of these processes, which are of great importance for training. These regularities are as follows. If a focus of excitation or inhibition occurs in any part of the cerebral cortex, then excitation or inhibition will certainly first spread from the point of its origin, capturing neighboring areas of the cortex ( irradiation process). For example, in order to get a dog to bark, the trainer can tie it up and leave. The departure of the trainer will greatly excite the dog (irradiation of excitation) and it will begin to bark.

concentration called the opposite phenomenon, when excitation or inhibition, on the contrary, is concentrated on a certain part of the nervous system. Thanks to this, for example, after several repetitions, the dog learns to give voice only on command, without side effects and general excitement.

The occurrence in the cerebral cortex of a process that is opposite in meaning to the one that originally arose is called by induction (positive induction). For example, after a dog has been strongly teased, causing the excitation of an active-defensive reflex, it can eat food more greedily, etc. But the opposite phenomenon is also possible, when the excitation of any reflex causes inhibition of another ( negative induction). So, when an orienting reflex appears, the dog often stops responding to the trainer's commands.

The trainer must always take into account the phenomenon of inhibition in the nervous activity of the dog. Braking manifests itself in a delay of one or another reflex and may be conditional, or active, and unconditional, or passive. Active inhibition occurs in dogs during training. The appearance of this type of inhibition primarily depends on the actions of the trainer.

There are the following types of active inhibition: extinction, differentiation and retardation (Fig. 24).

Rice. 24. Scheme of types of braking

Fading braking must be taken into account by the trainer from the very beginning of training. As already mentioned, for the formation of a conditioned reflex, reinforcement of the conditioned stimulus with an unconditioned one is required. If such reinforcement is absent or applied irregularly, then the conditioned reflex to a command or gesture may weaken and disappear. This phenomenon is called extinction of the conditioned reflex, and the braking itself is fading. From this it is clear why, in order to strengthen conditioned reflexes, it is always necessary to reward the dog for correctly performed actions, and when the conditioned reflex is weakened, the influence of the unconditioned stimulus on the basis of which the given conditioned reflex was formed should be used again.

The fading of conditioned reflexes can occur if practical exercises with a dog are carried out irregularly, and also in the case when there are no training sessions with already trained dogs.

For dog training, the so-called differential or differential inhibition, which provides a clear distinction by the dog of individual conditioned stimuli and a clear performance of the required actions on commands, gestures and other signals. Like m-fading inhibition, differential inhibition does not occur immediately, but develops gradually. The manifestation of this type of inhibition primarily depends on the correct actions of the trainer. It is known that during the initial development of a conditioned reflex to some command (conditioned stimulus) in the nerve center of the dog (for example, in the auditory), the process of excitation predominates, which easily spreads through the cerebral cortex ( irradiation) and causes increased excitability. As a result, in the central nervous system of the dog, process so-called generalization- generalizations of various similar stimuli, and the dog mixes these stimuli. Therefore, during the initial training, many dogs make erroneous actions and confuse commands and gestures: they sit down on command, approach the trainer according to the laying gesture, etc.

To stop this phenomenon, it is necessary to use differential inhibition. To do this, all actions of the dog that correspond to the given command must be reinforced by giving treats and exclamation, and actions that do not correspond to this command should be left without reinforcement. As a result of such actions of the trainer, the dog will develop inhibition to all stimuli that are not directly related to this skill. The conditioned reflex to the corresponding command will become more and more solid, and the dog will clearly distinguish the meaning of various commands and gestures. This will be possible because in the nervous system of the dog there will be a process of concentration (concentration) of excitation to those nerve cells of the cerebral cortex that are directly related to this conditioned reflex.

It should be remembered that the speed of developing the differentiation (distinguishing) of various conditioned stimuli (commands) depends during training and on their correct reinforcement with such unconditioned stimuli that cause the dog to manifest a certain unconditioned reflex. For example, a command is reinforced by a jerk of the leash, which returns the dog to the trainer's leg, a command is reinforced by the excitation of an active-defensive reflex, etc. As a result, each command will be associated with a certain reflex and acquire the value of a signal for the dog to perform a certain action. As a result, the dog will clearly distinguish (differentiate) the meaning of commands.

The third type of conditional inhibition is delayed braking, which is also successfully used in dog training. This type of inhibition occurs when the action of the conditioned stimulus on the dog is not immediately accompanied by the action of the unconditioned stimulus, and the latter is used for reinforcement after a certain period of time (from several seconds to several minutes). As a result of such reinforcement, the manifestation of the conditioned reflex is delayed and timed to coincide with the onset of the action of the unconditioned stimulus.

Delayed inhibition is the basis for developing endurance in the dog in various methods of the general course of training. The endurance of the dog is an inhibitory conditioned reflex. This reflex is developed under such conditions. First, the trainer establishes a positive reflex to some command, for example, to the command for which the dog must take a certain position. As soon as this conditioned reflex is worked out and the dog, at the trainer's command, assumes the required position, which is reinforced by encouragement, the trainer proceeds to working out the endurance. This is done in the following way. The trainer pronounces the command and, after the command is completed, gives the dog a treat, but not immediately, but after a few seconds, forcing the sitting dog to expect to receive the treat. As a result, delayed inhibition begins to develop in the dog's nervous system, which delays the manifestation of the food reflex for several seconds after the command is given.

Gradually giving treats or other encouragement (smoothing, exclamation) is more and more delayed after the command is given and the exposure is brought up to several minutes.

From what has been said, it is clear that the skillful use active braking in the process of training dogs is a very important condition that ensures the stability and clarity of developing the necessary skills.

Unlike conditional active inhibition, unconditional - passive braking does not require development, as it occurs in the case of exposure to the dog's nervous system of certain stimuli. For example, in a dog that heard a shot for the first time, inhibition of all motor conditioned reflexes that were set for commands and gestures may occur. This type of inhibition is called external braking. With this type of inhibition, the trainer most often meets in the initial period of training.

The orienting reflex is usually the cause of external inhibition in dogs. Showing an orienting reflex, the dog is distracted (listens to an extraneous sound, intensely sniffs at an unfamiliar smell or looks towards a new object) and does not perform the actions required of it. In most cases, the external inhibition associated with the orienting response is temporary and stops when the dog becomes accustomed to the new stimulus. The orienting reflex is characterized not only by the fact that it very easily arises when the dog is exposed to various stimuli that are new to it. He is also able to easily disappear (fade away), as soon as the dog becomes familiar with this stimulus, to him.

But it happens that external inhibition is more persistent. This is possible in those cases when it occurs in a dog as a result of a passive-defensive reflex. Most often, this phenomenon is observed in those young dogs that still have signs of a reflex of primary natural caution (puppy cowardice). In such cases, the best way to deal with external inhibition is to consistently and systematically familiarize the dog with the surrounding stimuli, switching it to an easily fading orienting reflex.

In dogs that have reached puberty, the reason for the manifestation of external inhibition is often the sexual reflex (especially in males near an empty bitch). In this case, the female is a distracting stimulus, which causes the male to inhibit all reactions and reflexes that are not related to the manifestation of the sexual reflex. Here you can apply only one method of struggle: to identify an empty bitch in a timely manner and isolate it.

Research by Academician Pavlov and his students showed that the phenomenon of external inhibition is based on the process negative induction.

External inhibition and distraction can also occur in dogs under the influence of internal stimuli. So, in the event of an overflow of the bladder, the dog may exhibit inhibition of all motor reflexes that are not related to the nerve center of urination, and it will stop executing commands. Therefore, it is very important to walk the dogs before starting practical exercises.

External inhibition occurs in all cases when a stimulus of greater force acts on the dog than the trainer and his commands or gestures. Therefore, the trainer should always strive to have a greater effect on the dog than distractions. This is achieved not only by establishing the correct relationship between the trainer and the dog, but also by developing stable conditioned reflexes to commands and gestures that provide control of the dog's behavior in conditions of varying complexity.

Given this, the initial training should be carried out in an environment that excludes the presence of distracting stimuli. After sufficient consolidation of all the commands necessary to control the behavior of the dog, you need to gradually complicate the conditions of training by introducing stimuli. If necessary, you should skillfully use the prohibition command.

The main reason for the occurrence extreme braking is during training too strong irritation of the nervous system of the dog. Such irritation can result from the action of a very strong stimulus (most often a sound one, for example, a shot), as well as from the abuse of mechanical stimuli, without taking into account the individual characteristics of the animal. In this case, the dog does not perform commands and gestures associated not only with the skill, during the development of which the trainer allowed the abuse of coercion, but also with other commands and gestures. This happens as a result of irradiation - the spread of the inhibitory process from the center of its occurrence to other nerve centers.

As a result, the dog becomes depressed, lethargic, sometimes shows distrust of the trainer and fear of him.

Transmarginal inhibition can also occur as a result of an overstrain of the dog's nervous system. For example, often outrageous inhibition occurs in the process of working out the method of selecting things, if the trainer abuses the number of sending the dog to select during one lesson.

Limiting inhibition can also occur after long sessions with the dog using the same training methods. The dog will begin to show lethargy, and then completely refuse to perform this action.

This moment must be taken into account in the process of training and be sure to diversify the skills being worked out.

Thus, in order to prevent the occurrence of prohibitive inhibition, one should avoid overstraining the dog's nervous system, not set overwhelming tasks for it, and diversify the skills being worked out. In the event of transcendental inhibition, it is necessary to interrupt classes with the dog for several days. During the break, her nervous system will be freed from transcendental inhibition and the conditioned reflex activity will be restored in the animal.

7. Typical features of dog behavior

The processes of excitation and inhibition manifest themselves differently in the nervous system of dogs.

Academician Pavlov proved by his numerous studies that the difference in the behavior of dogs is determined primarily by a certain combination of the basic properties of the processes of excitation and inhibition: the strength of the irritable and inhibitory nervous processes, which constantly constitute an integral nervous activity; the balance of these processes; their mobility.

IP Pavlov established four main types of higher nervous activity (VID): excitable - unbalanced (choleric); balanced - mobile (sanguine); balanced - calm (phlegmatic); weak (melancholic).

excitable dogs have a strong process of excitation and weakened inhibition. There is no balance between these two processes and the excitation process is predominant. Dogs of this type are characterized by great physical activity.

However, it is impossible to determine the type of higher nervous activity by motor activity alone. Of primary importance for characterizing the type of VIEW of dogs is their conditioned reflex activity.

In dogs of the excitable type, positive conditioned reflexes are quickly formed, while inhibitory ones, on the contrary, are developed very slowly. Therefore, dogs of this type perform well all commands associated with actions based on the process of excitation, and poorly execute commands associated with the process of inhibition (for example, a forbidding command, exposure in various positions, etc.).

In dogs of the excitable type, differential inhibition is weakly expressed and it is difficult to work it out. During the initial period of training these dogs often value different commands. But it is especially difficult to achieve differentiation from them, which requires a great effort of the inhibitory process, for example, when choosing a thing by smell from other things, when choosing a person from a thing, when choosing the desired trace from other traces, etc. Therefore, dogs of this type are especially difficult to train. by services in which a good and clear differentiation is necessary (search, guard, mino-detective services), which should be taken into account in the selection. For services where a clear differentiation is not required (guard, protective guard), dogs of an excitable type are quite suitable. Moreover, in the process of training, it is possible to achieve an increase in their inhibitory process. This is achieved by regular and systematic exercises. Exposure in dogs of excitable type should be worked out gradually, as if by training and accumulating - the process of inhibition. It is recommended to start exposure from 3-5 seconds, gradually bringing it up to several minutes. During the initial training on the selection of a thing, the selection of a person from a trace, etc., one should not send the dog to the selection more than once or twice; the number of sends must be increased very slowly. To complicate the track by introducing extraneous tracks and corners is possible only after the dog has clearly worked out a simple track. Very dog ​​behavior - an excitable type of training of such skills as walking next to the trainer, prohibition on command, endurance in various positions.

Dogs balanced - agile types have processes of excitation and inhibition equal in strength. These processes in such dogs are very mobile (excitation is easily replaced by inhibition and vice versa), depending on the stimuli acting on the dog.

Dogs of this type are characterized by significant physical activity. Positive and negative conditioned reflexes are easily developed in them and are quite strong, they are characterized by good differential inhibition. Dogs of a balanced - mobile type are most easily trained. They are well fixed positive and negative skills, they are quite active in their work, easily switch from one activity to another. When training such dogs, the method of contrast training gives good results. In this case, it is necessary to adhere to the principle of a consistent transition from simple to complex.

In dogs of a balanced - calm type, as well as in a balanced - mobile type, the processes of excitation and inhibition are manifested with equal force. However, unlike dogs of the previous type, the process of excitation and inhibition in the nervous system of these dogs is inactive (one nervous process is slowly replaced by another and vice versa). These dogs have reduced motor activity; positive and negative conditioned reflexes are developed slowly, but are very persistent; differential inhibition arises and develops gradually and always reaches great clarity. Behaviorally, many dogs of this type appear sedentary and lethargic. They are not easy to train, but the skills fixed are very persistent. In special work, such dogs are somewhat lethargic, but they follow commands without fail and are very hardy. In training dogs of this type, as well as in training dogs of an excitable type, great perseverance and patience are required from the trainer.

Phlegmatic dogs it is difficult to tolerate a rapid change in the processes of excitation and inhibition. Therefore, during the initial training on the general course, one should not abuse the frequent issuance of commands. It must be remembered that for such dogs it is difficult to quickly move from one action to another and they often need to repeat the command. In the initial period of training, one should strive to ensure that there is a sufficient interval between the moment the command is uttered and the moment when the dog begins to perform the action. It is possible to increase the frequency of giving commands to perform various actions only after the dog has established a stable conditioned reflex to the commands used by the trainer. The upbringing of endurance, in a different position proceeds without difficulty. They tolerate the action of strong mechanical stimuli quite easily, therefore, when training, the mechanical method can be successfully used. But even here one should not abuse coercion; it is recommended to be used only in cases where the contrast method of exposure is insufficient.

For a weak dog characteristic weakness of the nervous processes of excitation and inhibition. In this regard, dogs of this type do not tolerate great stresses of the nervous system, their nervous activity is easily disturbed.

Among this group, one should distinguish between dogs in which both nervous processes, despite weakness, are distinguished by relative mobility. Conditioned reflexes in these dogs are developed unstable, but the dogs have a fairly clear and relatively easy-to-appear differential inhibition.

There are dogs in which both nervous processes are not only weak, but also inactive. Conditioned reflexes in these dogs are developed slowly and unstable, their differential inhibition is insufficient.

It should be noted that in dogs of a weak type, a passive-defensive reaction is often observed, but it is not considered the main sign of weakness of the nervous system, since it can also manifest itself in dogs of other types of higher nervous activity. A weak type of dog is not very suitable for training and use. Given this, it is not recommended to take them into training. If such dogs are identified in the process of training, then they must be culled.

8. Neuroses

The ratio of the processes of excitation and inhibition in the nervous system of dogs of various types can be pathologically disturbed. As a result, functional disorders of the nervous activity of animals will occur, not accompanied by visible lesions of the nervous system. These are the so-called neuroses.

The external manifestation of neurosis in the behavior of dogs can be different. Some dogs in a state of neurosis are characterized by increased excitability, irritability, disruption of endurance, poor differentiation of stimuli, easily come into an aggressive state even in relation to the trainer. Others, on the contrary, are characterized by an oppressed state, accompanied by timidity and distrust. Even an increased intonation or a sharp call from the trainer immediately causes such dogs to have a long-term inhibitory state. In some dogs, neurosis causes a tendency to inactivity and, as a result, they almost do not perceive the commands and other influences of the trainer.

Neuroses can occur in dogs as a result of an overstrain of the nervous system. An overstrain of the excitation process most often occurs when the dog's nervous system is exposed to superstrong stimuli, for example, strong sound stimuli (shots, explosions), if the dog has not previously and consistently been accustomed to them; as a result of abuse of coercion, etc.

An overstrain of the inhibitory process easily arises after difficult subtle differentiations, in cases where the dog is sent to sample an object from many other objects with a similar smell, or after following a track in the presence of a large number of crossing tracks.

Neurosis can also arise as a result of a sharp change in the processes of excitation and inhibition. An example of this may be the case when the trainer makes the dog either stop the escaping and grab him, or stop the grip. The rapid change of a strong inhibitory stimulus by an equally strong stimulus in this situation, as it were, clashes between the processes of inhibition and excitation. In a dog that is not sufficiently prepared for this, a breakdown of nervous activity may occur.

In some dogs, neuroses occur frequently, in others they are difficult to evoke even under experimental conditions. In this regard, it is appropriate to recall the statement of I. P. Pavlov, who proved that the occurrence of neuroses depends on what type of higher nervous activity the given animal belongs to. Indeed, neuroses easily arise in dogs of extreme types - excitable and weak, and they hold on more steadfastly. Dogs of a balanced type are resistant to neuroses.

To cure neurosis, it is recommended to temporarily stop training with the dog. Sometimes for the same purpose it is useful to transfer a sick dog to another trainer, change the conditions and place of training, use therapeutic agents (bromine, caffeine).

9. External factors that make it easier and harder to work with a dog

Dogs are trained and used in various environmental conditions; some of them make it easier to work with a dog, others make it more difficult. Environmental conditions include time of day, temperature, wind, soil cover, terrain, humidity, etc.

The most favorable time of day for working with the dog is early morning, when the dog is full of energy after a night's rest. In addition, early in the morning the number of distracting stimuli (strangers, animals, etc.) is not so great. The freshness of the atmosphere is also important. It is also recommended to train the dog in the evening. During the day hours in the hot summer time, you can only work with a dog that has been gradually accustomed to working in such conditions.

Initially, training and training of dogs should be carried out during daylight hours. This provides good control over the dog. An exception is the training of guard and guard dogs, since alertness and the manifestation of protective reflexes always increase in a dog in the dark.

High and low temperatures have a great influence on the dog's body, and heat affects the dog's body more negatively than cold (without drafts and wind). To high and low temperatures it is necessary to adapt the dog's body gradually. Therefore, the training and training of dogs should be started at a temperature of 12–15 ° warm and not lower than 10 ° cold. Gradually, you can move on to training at higher and lower temperatures (at 25 ° warm and 20 ° cold).

Working with a dog is significantly influenced by the direction of the wind (tail, head, side, corner) and the strength of the wind. For example, when there is a headwind, you need to pronounce sound commands in a low voice. Such a wind favors the work of sentry and guard dogs, as it facilitates their perception of sounds and smells.

The direction and strength of the wind are of exceptionally great importance for the dog's work on the trail, since the time during which the smell is retained on the trail is inversely proportional to the strength of the wind. In strong winds, the odor molecules quickly disappear from the trail. In crosswinds, the scent molecules are blown away from the track, which leads the dog astray. The headwind forces the animal to switch to the upper sense, which also reduces the quality of work. Therefore, a tailwind is most favorable for working on the trail: it shifts the smell only towards the track, which encourages the dog to use the lower sense.

The best dog will follow the track, which is laid on the meadow soil, especially if it is covered with dew. The hardest thing for her will be working during the day on a dusty road.

Flat terrain makes it easier to control the dog and its work; strongly crossed - complicates the work of the dog.

The presence of vegetation cover in some cases favors the work of the dog, in others it interferes with it. On a well-developed low grass cover, odor molecules are retained longer. This makes it easier for the dog to follow the trail. Too dense tall grass and thick bushes make it difficult for the dog to move, causing her fatigue faster. In addition, in the grass there are plants with an intoxicating smell (ledum, etc.), and, as you know, this negatively affects the higher nervous activity of the dog. A small, sparse bush, on the contrary, contributes to the development of the dog's activity in search.

Working on very rough terrain promotes the development of the dog's activity, but quickly causes its fatigue. Therefore, the first stages of training for the search service and the service of carrying light loads are best done on level ground.

Carrying out dog training in settlements always complicates the work due to the presence of a large number of distracting stimuli. Therefore, it is recommended to gradually accustom the dog to such difficult conditions.

Increased humidity, high saturation of air or soil with water vapor (water) contribute to the long-term preservation of the smell, and this facilitates the dog's tracking work. Excessive humidity and rain adversely affect the performance of dogs; heavy rain, for example, immediately washes away the smell of the trace.

Tracking, the movement of a dog carrying light loads and a dog towing a skier are difficult in the presence of deep snow or thin ice crust.

The most favorable time of the year for training dogs in the northern and middle regions of the USSR is the period from late April to October. However, training can be done at any time of the year; only the beginning of classes in the heat should be avoided.

In order to avoid the negative influence of unfavorably acting external factors, in the process of training it is necessary to strictly adhere to the principle of sequential introduction of complications. For example, classes on general techniques should be started in a familiar environment for the dog or in conditions that provide the least amount of distracting stimuli; work on the trail should first be carried out over a short distance, always under favorable conditions (flat terrain, tailwind, etc.). As the dog prepares, the conditions in which it works must be gradually and consistently complicated by introducing distracting stimuli and complicating the skills being worked out (increasing the running distance for a dog carrying light loads, increasing the prescription for laying a track and its length for a search dog, etc. ). If the dog refuses to work in difficult conditions, it is necessary to ease them somewhat.

The training of a dog, in addition to external factors, is also influenced by biological factors acting in the animal's body itself. Therefore, the general condition of the dog is very important. Any deviation from the usual behavior is characterized as an abnormal condition that makes it difficult and complicating the work of the dog.

Deviations from normal behavior can be expressed in a decrease or increase in excitability. In the first case, the dog becomes lethargic, inactive, poorly perceives commands and gestures. The reason for this is most often some kind of disease. With general increased excitability, dogs show anxiety, excessive fussiness, and do not clearly follow commands (impaired differentiation). This phenomenon is especially often observed in females during estrus, in males during sexual arousal, and also in very hungry dogs. Having noticed abnormalities in the behavior of the animal, the trainer must find out the causes that caused them and eliminate them. A trainer who knows his dog well will easily notice the slightest deviations from the normal state in her and take the necessary measures in a timely manner.

10. Trainer and his impact on the dog

In the process of training, the main factor influencing the dog's behavior is the trainer himself, who selects and applies in the right order certain stimuli that cause the desired reflexes in the animal. From this it is clear that the success of the dog mainly depends on how the trainer behaves with her and on the level of his training.

First of all, the trainer must have a certain theoretical background - to know the basic provisions and principles of training. This will allow you to quickly solve problems that arise in the work, take into account the individual characteristics of the dog, choose the right method of training and methods for developing individual skills, correctly apply coercion, encouragement, prohibitions, etc. Only a theoretically trained trainer can avoid a template in work.

The trainer's actions must constantly be built on the basis of practical experience: for a novice trainer - based on the experience of instructors and the best trainers, for a trainer who has already worked with dogs - based on his own practice. The imitation of novice trainers by more experienced trainers is an important factor by which the technical skills of training are well acquired. That is why one of the most effective ways to teach training is the way of showing.

While working with a dog, the trainer must understand its behavior well, and for this he needs to be aware of all his actions, think over their nature and sequence in advance. The slightest changes in the decisions made in the process of training must be strictly justified. As a rule, it is necessary to adhere steadily and persistently to the decision made, seeking the fulfillment of the intended task from the animal. Throughout the training with the dog, the trainer must constantly be aware of the successes achieved and the mistakes made in order to use positive experience in the future and successfully eliminate shortcomings.

For training, the so-called "interest" of the dog in work is very important - its active reaction to human influences (willing execution of commands, quick reaction to any stimuli). dogs is a very favorable factor for working with her. Therefore, the preservation of this condition should be a matter of special concern for the trainer. In order for the dog not to lose, the trainer needs to constantly diversify the methods of work, choose a method that does not overwork the animal.

Each trainer should strive to cultivate certain character traits that contribute to successful work. First of all, he must be observant, always see how the dog perceives his influences, how he relates to him and various phenomena of the environment.

The trainer needs endurance. Without this quality, he will not cope with the work that requires great patience and self-control. Haste or lack of restraint can easily spoil the results of many days of work in this case.

Very important for the trainer and such qualities as love for animals and courage. If the trainer does not like the dog, then training with it will seem to him an uninteresting, boring business. A sensitive and attentive attitude to the dog, the desire to follow its every action will turn the work of a trainer into a very exciting experience. After all, training is not a craft, but an art that requires great love.

One of the decisive conditions for the success of training is the right relationship between the trainer and the dog. Such relationships develop throughout the entire practical course of training, during the development of the entire system of conditioned reflexes in the dog. In this case, the general course of training is of particular importance, during which the dog develops skills that subordinate its behavior to the trainer.

The correct attitude of the dog to the trainer is characterized by its good obedience, trusting attitude towards the trainer, lack of fear of the trainer.

The trainer is a complex complex stimulus for the dog. He affects her primarily with his appearance (dress, height, character of movements, voice, facial expression and, finally, individual smell). All the qualitative features of his trainer, which distinguish him from other people, the dog is good and stable even during the period of its training.

11. Possible errors of the trainer

Mistakes of a trainer in the process of working with a dog can be associated with his weak theoretical training, lack of practical experience and lack of analysis of the work process.

The most common mistake is a misunderstanding of the dog's behavior and actions. As a result, the trainer ascribes to the dog the ability to consciously understand human speech, to consciously relate to his actions, etc. Such a trainer, along with the use of commands, begins to talk with the dog, persuades him to perform one or another technique, and even threatens him.

Such actions make it difficult to develop conditioned reflexes to the corresponding command, since the sounds of the command are mixed with other sounds (words). In addition, extraneous sound stimuli cause a distraction (orienting reaction) in the dog, which slows down the implementation of training techniques.

Often there is another error. Suppose that while walking without a leash, the dog was distracted by an extraneous irritant (a cat, a bird, another dog) and did not immediately come up to the trainer's call. To punish the dog, the trainer inflicts several blows on the leash: at the moment when the dog approached him. In the future, the dog's approach to such a trainer will not improve, but worsen. This will happen because the trainer violated the basic principle of developing a conditioned reflex. The development of a conditioned reflex to a command is based, as is known, on the food reflex. Receiving a treat when approaching the trainer, the dog willingly fulfills this command. If, when the dog is approaching, the trainer hits it, then this will cause a defensive reflex, and in the future the dog will approach the trainer. In addition, an unwanted connection is formed with her on a leash: when she sees the leash in the hands of the trainer, she will be his.

To avoid mistakes, the trainer must daily study the behavior of his dog, find out the conditions that affect him and disrupt work; know exactly the type of its higher nervous activity and the predominant reaction. Only with such an individual approach, training will bring good results. Otherwise, it will not only have no effect, but can also spoil the dog.

As you know, the main condition for the development of a conditioned reflex is a consistent combination of conditioned and unconditioned stimuli. In this case, the conditioned stimulus (commands) must precede the action of the unconditioned stimulus or act simultaneously with it.

The use of a conditioned stimulus after an unconditioned stimulus makes it very difficult to develop a conditioned reflex. If, for example, when practicing the movement of a dog at the trainer's leg, a jerk of the leash is used before the command is given, then a conditioned reflex to the command is not developed.

A very gross mistake of the trainer is the abuse of one or another command. Having not developed a strong conditioned reflex to a command, the trainer repeats it many times without using the necessary unconditioned stimulus. This causes a gradual weakening (fading) of the conditioned reflex to the command in the dog and does not allow to achieve a trouble-free and accurate performance of the skill.

Unfortunately, it also happens that trainers underestimate the values ​​of intonation and all commands are given in the same intonation. Because of this, they lose the opportunity to use the intonation of the voice as a very important auxiliary stimulus that enhances the action of the command. The command, as a rule, should be given in an orderly intonation, and a threatening intonation should be used only to reinforce the action of the command. In no case should you abuse the frequent use of threatening intonation, as the dog will stop responding to it. But one should not allow an excessively affectionate, undemanding attitude towards the dog: this will lead it out of submission to the trainer.

When using treats to reward the dog for actions performed on command, one should not forget to stroke and exclaim in an affectionate intonation. This will allow gradually limiting the giving of treats and increasing the use of encouragement in the form of stroking and exclamation.

A very significant mistake is the abuse of the disable command. It must be remembered that the command must be the most powerful conditioned inhibitory stimulus for the dog, stopping any undesirable actions. Frequent use of a command without reinforcement by an unconditioned stimulus will lead to a weakening (fading) of the conditioned reflex to this command. Excessively frequent use of a command reinforced by an unconditioned stimulus (a strong jerk by a leash, a strict collar, a blow with a whip) will cause irradiation of the inhibition process in the dog's nervous system. As a result, the dog will develop a long-term depressed state, which will slow down the manifestation of all skills and disrupt the correct contact between the trainer and the dog.

Therefore, where possible, it is recommended to use any other appropriate command instead of the command. Let's explain this with an example. Let us assume that in the general course of training a dog, being distracted by an extraneous stimulus, tries to independently change the position of the body (get up from the position of landing or laying, run towards the stimulus that attracts it). What should the trainer do in these cases? He must use the command corresponding to the action the dog is trying to avoid or change.

One of the biggest mistakes of a trainer is excessive haste in training and, as a result, fuzzy practice and consolidation of skills. As a result, the dog does not develop stable conditioned reflexes to the command and the trainer is not able to control its behavior (especially in difficult conditions) and successfully carry out further work.

Experience shows that the skills fixed in a dog cannot be repeated in the same sequence. Otherwise, the dog will form a strong conditioned reflex connection to a certain system of actions (stereotype) and the dog will cease to obey the trainer.

If, for example, a dog is constantly allowed to overcome obstacles in the same sequence, then it will stick to this sequence and will overcome all obstacles one after another, without stopping in front of each of them.

As a result of the erroneous actions of the trainer and his incorrect approach to the dog, its higher nervous activity may be disturbed. In the process of training, these disorders most often manifest themselves in dogs in the form of neuroses and unwanted connections (see previous text).

Unlike the neuroses described in the book, unwanted connection cannot be regarded as a pathological state of nervous activity. Unwanted connection- this is a conditioned reflex that arose in the dog in addition to the desire of the trainer as a result of the mistakes he made. Unwanted connections have a very harmful effect on working with a dog: they make it difficult to train, and later create great obstacles during the official use of dogs.

Consider the causes of the most common unwanted relationships in dogs.

When training according to the general course, it is necessary to accustom the dog to the precise performance of all actions separately by commands and gestures. Gesture training is most often carried out on the basis of previously fixed sound commands. But such a combination of commands with gestures should be only at the beginning of training. Then sound commands and gestures are supposed to be used separately. However, many novice trainers have been combining gestures with a sound command for a long time. Naturally, later, when the command and gesture need to be used separately, the dog will refuse to perform them. This will happen because she has an undesirable connection to perform actions only on a complex stimulus (a sound command plus a gesture).

If, during the development of malice in dogs, helpers are always dressed in training coats, then the dog develops an undesirable connection to dressing gowns: it will attack only people dressed in a dressing gown, and only pursue them.

In cases where practical exercises are carried out for a long time in the same environment, the dog has an undesirable connection to the environment. As a result, in a different environment, in a new place for her, the dog will refuse to fulfill the requirements of the trainer.

To avoid the occurrence of unwanted connections in a dog, the trainer must carefully analyze all the techniques and influences used; change the environment of classes in which an undesirable connection arose, and eliminate the irritants that caused it; stop practicing with the dog according to certain methods until the conditioned reflex to the unwanted connection fades.

Any response of a living organism to a stimulus is called a reaction. An example of a simple reaction is the withdrawal of a leg by a dog during a prick, pinch, or burn. In this case, a pin, pinch, burn, irritating the skin of the leg, causes excitation of the endings of the sensory nerve located in the skin.

The irritation along the sensory nerve was immediately transmitted to the spinal cord and from it along the motor nerves in the form of nervous excitation to certain muscles of the leg, causing their contraction (withdrawal of the leg).

Such a reaction of the body to a stimulus, which occurs with the participation of the central nervous system, is called a reflex - a reflected action. The nerve path along which irritation passes from the skin endings along the sensory nerve to the spinal cord and from the spinal cord along the motor nerve to the muscles is called the reflex arc.

The vital activity of any animal, including dogs, consists of simple and complex innate reactions, which are called unconditioned reflexes. Retracting the leg when pricked with a pin is a simple reaction. A simple reaction is the movement of the pupils under the influence of light and darkness, pulling the paw away from the fire, etc.

The activity of the nervous system unites the work of all parts of the dog's body, connects its body with the environment and balances the body system with external conditions.

The manifestation of the main reaction of the animal to the external world is movement, as a result of the work of the musculoskeletal system and secretion. Musculoskeletal movement begins with individual muscles and small groups of muscles, and then combines all motor acts into one whole and balances the gravity of the mass of both individual parts and the whole organism.

But the movement is not random. Under the influence of the environment, the dog is forced to perform various special movements, including movements to save his body from death. These types of movement include: food, defensive, sexual and other motor reactions. They are performed with the linkage of the activity of both internal organs, and under the influence of external and internal stimuli. This will be the complex innate reaction of the unconditioned reflex.

An example of a complex reaction is the attack of one dog on another. The attacking dog exhibits a whole range of motor reactions; she becomes alert, looks closely, bristles, lets out an evil growl and bares her fangs, prepares to jump on the enemy. Such a complex reaction can be decomposed into a number of simple ones. The causative agents of these acts are unconditioned stimuli, the activity of which is based on the subcortical nodes closest to the large hemispheres. But the subcortical nodes alone are not enough for the life of a dog. Left to itself, when the large hemispheres are removed, it soon dies. Here is what I. P. Pavlov says about this:

“These unconditioned special reflexes form the most essential basis of the external activity of the animal. But these activities in the higher animal, left alone, without additional activity, turn out to be insufficient for the preservation of the individual and the species. A dog without cerebral hemispheres reveals all these activities, and yet, left to itself, it certainly and very soon dies.

Without the cerebral hemispheres, the dog, a few hours after feeding, wakes up from the intermediate sleep state and begins to move continuously until it is fed, and then falls back into sleep. During movement, she saliva flows, although nothing causes this food movement. It is the result of internal irritation. When moving, if the dog encounters an obstacle, it stops helplessly in front of it. He does not react to sound and visual stimuli, although he sees and hears them, except for the indicative reaction, which is expressed in raising his head and shaking his ears. Especially strong sounds caused a howl. Doesn't respond to calls. He does not eat or drink on his own, but eats and drinks if food is put in or water is poured into the oral cavity. Thus, with the removal of the cerebral hemispheres, unconditioned reflexes are preserved, but they turned out to be insufficient for the normal life of the animal.

The division of unconditioned reflexes into simple and complex is conditional. In reality, even with a simple reflex, various centers of coordination of the central nervous system, united in the reflex system, participate. For example, irritation of the sensory-gustatory nerve with food causes not only an unconditioned reflex from the salivary gland, but simultaneously in other glands of the gastrointestinal tract.

Compound reflexes are divided into: 1) reflexes aimed at the preservation of the species and 2) at the preservation of the individual.

The first group includes the sexual and parental reflex, and the second - food, defensive and indicative. The sexual reaction occurs during sexual arousal and ensures the reproduction of dogs. The food reaction is aimed at preserving the life of dogs - a newly born puppy is already looking for the mother's nipple to get food.

Experiments conducted by I. P. Pavlov on the salivary gland found that when the tip of the tongue touches food, the receptor is irritated and excitation arises in it, which is transmitted along the taste nerve to the lunar center of the medulla oblongata. From there, the excitation reaches the salivary gland through the secretory nerve. glands, and the latter secretes saliva. Not every irritation causes the same quantity and quality of saliva. Dry food - crackers, powdered meat, etc. cause profuse salivation. Food (bread, porridge, milk, etc.), which has moisture, causes slight secretion of saliva, which serves to moisten food, better pass through the esophagus and facilitate its further chemical processing.

Not all substances cause the activity of the salivary gland. Water does not cause saliva at all. When a dog takes sand into its mouth, immediate salivation occurs, but of a completely different quality than for food - instead of being viscous and acidic, the saliva secreted is liquid, rejected saliva, washing off the sand.

This fact testifies to the amazing adaptability of the salivary gland to the nature of the stimulus. There is a complex-unconditioned reflex.

The defensive reaction serves as a defense against adverse influences or attacks.

An orienting reaction occurs in the dog when exposed to new stimuli. Through this reaction, the dog becomes familiar with a new environment or unfamiliar stimuli.

The reaction manifested in this dog in the strongest degree is called the predominant one.

Predominant reactions, if they are consistently strong, are of great importance for training the dog.

A dog with a strongly pronounced active-defensive reaction (malice) is best used on guard duty.

If a dog's food reaction predominates, which is accompanied by gullibility towards people who give it food, then it is advisable to use such a dog for a sanitary service or communication service.

In addition to the defensive and food reactions, the orienting or sexual reaction may have a temporary predominance.

With the predominance of the orienting reaction, the dog shows the following signs: it peers, listens, and the slightest noise brings it out of its state of rest.

The predominance of the sexual reaction is usually observed in males, if there is an empty bitch nearby.

The orienting reaction must be well expressed in every dog ​​intended for service use. However, its pronounced predominance is not desirable, as it distracts the dog during training.

A strong sexual reaction also negatively affects training, distracting the dog from training itself.

The sexual reaction in most dogs prevails only at certain times of the year, and this must be taken into account when training.

A dog that has a poorly developed one or another reaction is not very suitable for training and use in any service.

Unconditioned reflexes are such responses of the body to external and internal stimuli that manifest themselves in the form of automatic actions. They are characteristic of this species of animals and appear either immediately after birth, or as the neuromuscular and endocrine systems of the animal develop (reflexes of movement, sexual). A puppy, for example, is born able to find the udder nipple, salivate when food enters the mouth, etc.

An animal for the manifestation of unconditioned reflexes does not need to be trained, it is born with ready-made reflex mechanisms that are steadfastly inherited.

In dogs, it is customary to distinguish four main unconditioned reflexes: food, sexual, defensive and indicative.

Consequently, innate reflexes are aimed at providing the basic vital needs of the animal organism, at preserving the individual and the species. For example, hunger causes a dog to crave food; in anticipation of danger, the animal shows increased alertness, etc. The defensive reflex associated with self-defense manifests itself in an active (offensive) or passive (retreating) form.

The unconditioned reflex is carried out by a simple so-called reflex arc. The reflex arc is the path along which excitation comes from the perceiving nerve cells (receptors) along the sensory nerve to the central nervous system and is directed from it along the motor nerve to the working organ, which will respond to irritation. Such is the scheme of the reflex arc, expressing a simple response to stimuli.

The food reflex is the craving for food. It occurs as a result of very complex reactions within the body. The lack of nutrients causes a change in the chemical composition of the blood, through which the nervous system, the glands involved in digestion, are fed. There is a huge chain of reactions, which manifests itself in the fact of seizing food. This reaction manifests itself in different ways depending on the degree of hunger and the characteristics of the individual animal. In a greedy dog, the food reaction is strongly expressed, all processes proceed with great speed and activity, while in the other, these manifestations are less pronounced.

The defensive reflex is the readiness of the animal for defense, active or passive. This is a reaction that mobilizes the forces of the body and all its systems: muscles, cardiovascular system, etc. to resistance. A dog entering into active defense must defeat the enemy or get out of the fight, saving his life. Cowardly dogs use most often passive defense, trying to get away from danger.

The orienting reflex manifests itself in the same way as the act of preserving life from dangerous environmental phenomena: seeing, listening, feeling are very important means of protection. The dog will not climb into the fire, seeing and feeling it, it will not be and will not enter the suffocating atmosphere if it smells a foreign smell.

The sexual reflex is manifested with great activity. Sexual attraction can activate the defensive reflex, suppress the orienting reflex, and so on. It is known that in the fight for a female, males sometimes neglect the danger, which in normal times would cause a defensive or orienting reflex. Attraction to the female is manifested in the fact that the male refuses to obey the man; in the presence of a bitch in the hunt, you should not force the male to perform any exercise.

In the cerebral cortex, the so-called sexual dominant is created - the dominant focus of excitation. The peculiarity of the dominant is that it inhibits the implementation of the reflexes of other centers and enhances its excitation due to other, even extraneous, impulses going to the central nervous system.

We named the four unconditioned reflexes because the dog trainer encounters them most often in practice. Understanding these reflexes determines the approach to animals and the possibility of their learning.

In the life of the organism, these phenomena are more numerous and varied.

For example, a dog was bitten by an insect. Pain irritation, perceived by sensitive cells - receptors located in the skin, is transmitted to the central nervous system, from it a signal goes along the motor nerve to the muscle, which, according to this signal, will contract and scare away the insect - this is a protective reaction.

Another example: an overflow of the bladder causes irritation, and in response to it, a urination reflex occurs. In a word, no matter what actions of the animal we observe, they are always responses to irritation.

Any irritation affects the functional state of the entire nervous system: in some areas, irritation causes excitation, in others - the process of inhibition. Therefore, the reflex is not an isolated act, but a complex reaction of the whole organism.

It is very important to know the conditions under which changes in unconditioned reflexes are possible under the influence of the environment. Practitioners know of a case where two litters of puppies were divided into two groups raised in different conditions. One group of puppies was raised freely among various external conditions, the other - in a monotonous calm environment. As a result of this experience, it turned out that dogs raised in a monotonous favorable external environment showed a passive-defensive reaction (cowardice). The same fact is confirmed by L. V. Krushinsky, Doctor of Biological Sciences. On the basis of the collected material, he believes that dogs raised in kennels, under conditions of group keeping and care, have a less pronounced active-defensive reaction than dogs raised in conditions of individual keeping. But even in dogs raised under the same conditions, defensive reactions can manifest themselves differently. This may depend on congenital features inherited from parents. In service dog breeding, it is not recommended to use animals with a passive-defensive reaction as producers.

In addition, dogs may have reflexes that are unique to one given breed; for example, a gun dog makes a stance when it detects a bird; the hound dog follows the trail of the beast barking.

Unconditioned reflexes, as a basis for the formation of conditioned ones, are important in dog training; it is the foundation on which learning is built. But unconditioned reflexes alone do not provide the entire complex connection of the animal with the external environment.

For normal existence, additional reactions are required. IP Pavlov called such additional reactions conditioned reflexes.

First of all, let's explain: why, for what purpose do we strive to develop a conditioned reflex? The conditioned reflex allows many times to reduce the response time to a particular stimulus, and at the same time establishes a certain form of response, or, in other words, determines what exactly to do in a known (regular) situation. Naturally, there can be quite a lot of situations, therefore there are many conditioned reflexes. In addition, depending on the "specialization" of the dog, it may need one or another set of conditioned reflexes.

Therefore, before starting training, you must:
1. Determine (on your own or with the help of a specialist) the set of conditioned reflexes your pet needs.
2. Check that there are no conflicting reflexes in this set and that the acquired skills do not interfere with each other.

This is very important, because if a conditioned reflex is developed, then it is very difficult to change anything later, and there will never be full confidence that the old, initially developed reaction will not manifest itself. Since conditioned reflexes in dogs and humans are developed in the same way, this situation can be easily commented on by the following example.


It is known that the driver must react very quickly to changes in the traffic situation, and his reaction must be correct, otherwise ... At the same time, he mainly acts reflexively - there is no time to think. So, imagine that the gas and brake pedals are reversed. If you are just starting to learn, you will immediately begin to learn in a new way, but an experienced driver, even if he learns, will almost certainly work in the old way, especially in an emergency. Remember the folk wisdom: "overtrained is worse than undertrained." Now you understand why.

3. Start training with simple elements, then move on to more complex and complex ones (when several skills are combined).

At the same time, never move on to the next one without mastering the previous one. It's like building a road: you can quickly cover something with asphalt and call it a road, but it would be nice to carefully prepare the substrate and only then asphalt it. Then you can drive safely. Do not save time on the quality of preparation and periodically repeat what has been covered. Be persistent! Always finish what you start. Never stop halfway: they say you don’t want to execute a command today, but oh well. The command must be completed, and if you decide that today the dog is not in the mood to practice, you can interrupt, but only after the skill has been completed.

4. When developing a conditioned reflex, use positive and negative reinforcement.

Positive reinforcement stimulates the behavior of the dog, negative reinforces the action. Reinforcement should be given out immediately, and positive reinforcement is strong at first, and decreases as learning progresses, and negative reinforcement is vice versa. As a positive reinforcement, you can use affectionate intonations (auditory canal), stroking (tactile canal), treats. I do not recommend using only treats. When using a treat, keep it close to you so that you can get it very quickly. As a negative reinforcement - the absence of a positive one, threatening intonations, physical impact. For example, you want to teach your dog to sit on the command "Sit!" and the corresponding gesture.

First you need to explain to the dog what you want from it. You say "Sit!" and, for example, physically give it the required position. This is not a negative reinforcement, for you are using a tactile channel; explain to the dog what the word "sit" means, which he perceives through the auditory canal. By placing the dog in the desired position, you (fixing it in that position) are giving positive reinforcement. Since the dog didn't know this before, your reinforcement must be strong. By repeating the exercises regularly, you will achieve that the dog will take the required position only by voice (auditory channel) or by gesture (visual channel). Now the positive reinforcement can be reduced, but if the student becomes stubborn, the negative reinforcement can be increased, achieving perfect performance.

Remember when you learned the multiplication table as a child, how everyone around rejoiced, but it turned out that this was not the most difficult thing and it is unlikely that next year you will receive positive reinforcement for knowing the multiplication table, but you are provided with powerful negative reinforcement for not knowing it. Always end the session with positive reinforcement.

5. Be patient. You will really need it, especially if you are dealing with a phlegmatic person.

Do not get annoyed and do not start insulting the dog (the beloved himself, of course, is always right). Do not be distructed. Do not tell others: "Look, what a stupid dog I have - he does not understand anything!". Education is a delicate and mutual matter. Patience and more patience. If you are training a phlegmatic, first develop static reflexes, and if you are a choleric, then do not forget to periodically give him a "release" and alternate "statics" with "dynamics".

I would like to say one more thing. People who train dogs on their own most often make three mistakes.
Some try to teach the right skills but do it wrong, most of the time give reinforcements at the wrong time. Let's say they gave the command "Sit!", gave the right position, then they were delighted, they jumped up, the dog also jumps, barks, rejoices and then receives praise and a treat. As a result, the dog did not understand what you wanted from him, and if you repeat such “lessons” regularly, he will jump and bark, extorting a piece from you (after all, in fact, this is what you gave positive reinforcement for).

Some teach correctly, but not at all what is needed. For example, "jokingly" bite the owner's hands. Unfortunately, then there can be serious problems. Therefore, carefully consider paragraph 1.

The thing is that in fact the dog has a clear chain - if they call, then they will take it on a leash and - the end of the walk, but I still want to run! Here you see what it means not to take into account an unwanted connection. In this case, to prevent this from happening, you need to call and release the dog several times during the walk, each time giving positive reinforcement when it comes up. In general, accounting for unwanted connections is a rather difficult task, and even professionals sometimes make mistakes.