This page is a component of the Glossary of the Dog Science, CBC
Dog Training Workshop, and an element of the Dog Science Network


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An Aversive

If your dog dislikes something enough that he would rather not encounter it, then, for your dog, that thing can said to be an aversive. If your dog dislikes a particular thing enough that he is willing to change his behavior in order to avoid it, then, it is said to be a punisher.

You may be able to reduce the rate at which your dog emits an undesirable response by presenting him with an aversive immediately after he engages in that response. In fact, that's what punishment is all about.

Please note that, strictly speaking, an aversive can only be said to be a punisher if it actually succeeds in reducing the rate of the targeted response.


Go to the Punishment Procedures Index for more on how to properly dispense aversives

Go to the index of the Glossary of Terms


This page is a component of the Glossary of the Dog Science, CBC
Dog Training Workshop, and an element of the Dog Science Network