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Evaluating a humane alternative to the bark collar: Automated differential reinforcement of not barking in a home‐alone setting
Author(s) -
Protopopova Alexandra,
Kisten Dmitri,
Wynne Clive
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
journal of applied behavior analysis
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.1
H-Index - 76
eISSN - 1938-3703
pISSN - 0021-8855
DOI - 10.1002/jaba.334
Subject(s) - nuisance , differential reinforcement , reinforcement , psychology , differential (mechanical device) , bark (sound) , social psychology , law , engineering , political science , geography , aerospace engineering , forestry
The aim of this study was to develop a humane alternative to the traditional remote devices that deliver punishers contingent on home‐alone dog barking. Specifically, we evaluated the use of remote delivery of food contingent on intervals of not barking during the pet owner's absence. In Experiment 1, 5 dogs with a history of home‐alone nuisance barking were recruited. Using an ABAB reversal design, we demonstrated that contingent remote delivery of food decreased home‐alone barking for 3 of the dogs. In Experiment 2, we demonstrated that it is possible to thin the differential‐reinforcement‐of‐other‐behavior ( DRO ) schedule gradually, resulting in a potentially more acceptable treatment. Our results benefit the dog training community by providing a humane tool to combat nuisance barking.