Secondary Reinforcers: The Devil You Don’t Know (article)

[flyzipper]

I enjoyed this article as it encourages us to look beyond food as a reinforcer.

One of the benefits of secondary reinforcers is that unlike primary reinforcers, they are more difficult to satiate. They are also highly individual, varying with the animal’s background and preferences, making them virtually limitless. This also means that we can get really creative with our use of secondary reinforcers because we aren’t just confined to the delivery of food or the feelings of hunger or satiation. For many pet owners, it’s this “desire to be with us” rather than just seeking food that makes us feel that we are more than a trainer but a friend or family member. These types of inadvertent trainers may not in fact realize that they are utilizing reinforcers, but when the relationship starts to take a difficult turn, we are left looking for answers in a relationship we are only seeing part of.​

Secondary Reinforcers: The Devil You Don't Know - Avian Behavior International

Do you have a parrot that does not stop screaming and you don’t know why? Or has your bird suddenly refused to step up any more and you can’t figure it out? In an educational program at your zoo, does your bird prefer to sit...

avian-behavior.org

 

[Tyrion]

Great article

 

[cChristine]

I enjoyed this article as it encourages us to look beyond food as a reinforcer.

One of the benefits of secondary reinforcers is that unlike primary reinforcers, they are more difficult to satiate. They are also highly individual, varying with the animal’s background and preferences, making them virtually limitless. This also means that we can get really creative with our use of secondary reinforcers because we aren’t just confined to the delivery of food or the feelings of hunger or satiation. For many pet owners, it’s this “desire to be with us” rather than just seeking food that makes us feel that we are more than a trainer but a friend or family member. These types of inadvertent trainers may not in fact realize that they are utilizing reinforcers, but when the relationship starts to take a difficult turn, we are left looking for answers in a relationship we are only seeing part of.​

Secondary Reinforcers: The Devil You Don't Know - Avian Behavior International

Do you have a parrot that does not stop screaming and you don’t know why? Or has your bird suddenly refused to step up any more and you can’t figure it out? In an educational program at your zoo, does your bird prefer to sit...

avian-behavior.org

Great info! Thank you for the resource I love researching and trying to learn how to communicate better with my feathery friend.

 

[Lady Jane]

Interesting read. I dont think it applies to a cat though. They are in a world of doing their own thing so to speak. However unless they are sick food/treats are a great motivator.

 

[fashionfobie]

Interesting read. I dont think it applies to a cat though. They are in a world of doing their own thing so to speak. However unless they are sick food/treats are a great motivator.

Cats train us with their attention. My cat owning friend will do anything to get their cat to grace them with their kitty presence.