The ABCs of behaviour
- cambridgedogs
- Apr 6
- 2 min read
All behaviour follows a sequence - the ABC behaviour chain.
A Antecedents
B Behaviour
C Consequences
The Antecedent is what happens beforehand, it's what triggers the behavior to happen. Postman pushes letters through letterbox. Or Dad opening the fridge.
The Behaviour is what happens in response to the antecedent. Dog barks when he hears postman Cat comes running and weaves around Dad's legs when he hears the fridge door opening.
These might be the most common outcomes but the response can vary depending on other things. If Dog is occupied with a tasty chew he may decide to skip barking at Postie. Cat may have just been fed and decide to remain on the sofa.
The Consequence is what happens AFTER the behaviour. Postman goes away (this reliably happens every time!). Cat gets a bit of tuna from the fridge.
It s not possible to change behaviour directly. But by knowing the ABCs of the behaviour we want to change, we can alter the antecedents (environment, triggers or events that predict a behaviour will happen) and/or the consequences that result from the behaviour.
Examples of changing the antecedent: External postbox fitted, no letters through door. Dad keeps beer in the garage and not the fridge so no need to open it.
Examples of changing the consequence: I teach my dog that the sound of the postman means a tasty treat is available on their bed, the other side of the house in the kitchen - limited time offer!. Dad opens the fridge but nothing is offered to the cat.
These consequences are likely to make the outcomes listed above less likely in future. There are better things to do than bark at the door. And no point in running to fridge, nothing happens.
But other consequences can make the behaviour of the animal more likely, or more vigorous/stronger. Family shouts at dog that barks at postman is likely to lead to the dog being more excited when future deliveries happen Dad accidentally drops a whole slice of ham on the floor when he opens the fridge - worth coming running next time!
So when your dog is showing a behaviour you don't want, work out its ABCs, see if you can change the antecedents so the behaviour is not triggered, or the consequences so it is not reinforced.
Here's a great video from Susan Garrett to explain more!
Commenti