The Canine Paradigm
Episode 250: Barking to biting and premacking behaviour
Dogs may develop the behaviour of barking to biting when they feel frustrated and their drives are not properly addressed. This behaviour can have various underlying causes, but it is often associated with fear or frustration. For instance, if a dog is barking at a person or another animal and feels unheard or misunderstood, it may resort to biting to communicate its message.
Socialising the dog and ensuring it has positive interactions with people and animals can help. Additionally, training the dog to respond to verbal commands and having a solid recall can redirect its attention and prevent it from escalating to biting.
Another helpful technique in dog training is premacking behaviour, which was first introduced by psychologist David Premack. Specifically, this technique involves using a high-probability behavior to reinforce a low-probability behaviour.
For example, if a dog loves playing fetch but dislikes going for walks, using premacking behaviour can increase its motivation to go for walks. Rewarding it with a game of fetch after a walk can help associate the walk with a positive outcome.
Using premacking behaviour correctly in dog training is essential. Firstly, the high-probability behaviour should always be something that the dog finds enjoyable. Additionally, the low-probability behaviour should be something that the dog needs to do to receive the reward.
Check out this episode about coping with being bitten
Further details
looking for great dog trainers and supporters of the canine paradigm? Below is a vast array of people and business’s who stand by us, donate to our running costs and do great things for the canine community.
Glenn runs and has almost everything canine related at, Canine Evolution or Pet Resorts Australia
Pat has a full range of coaching and dog training services at Operant Canine
You can support our show and get extra content right here on our Patreon page. Everything goes into keeping the show running and we love all the wonderful people who are part of that community. If you’re not sure how, just ask us.
You can get our full range of our Merch at our Teespring store here
You can help us by spreading the word amongst the canine community or even suggesting a special guest to interview.
If you need to find out how to listen to our podcast, go here
We have a YOUTUBE channel that you can subscribe to now
If you enjoyed the podcast, please review us on Itunes, spotify and any other podcast directory
Details on joining the IACP can be found here. If you’re not in it you should be! Understand?
Check out Dogs Playing for Life! A rescue process changing dogs lives across the USA
For more details on how to help our friends at Peggy’s Promise, you can find all the details on how to do that on their website. They are our rescue charity of choice.
Support our supporters
Narelle Cooke’s raw feeding guide for dogs here. Narelle has her own podcast on all podcast directories called Natural Health for people and pets. Check it out in person.
Looking for the best, human grade supplement range for your dogs? Check out Canine Ceuticals SHOW SPONSOR
Jason Firmin Einzweck Dog quip SHOW SPONSOR
The motorcycle dog kennel by Rowdy Hound SHOW SPONSOR
Professional dog training services DanKroft K9 SHOW SPONSOR
Our beloved friend and regular contributor, Birdy O’Sheedy can be found at birdyosheedy.com and you can see her baby puppy on her instagram
HUGE thanks to all our contributing artists. Please support their works
Jane Stuart
Avery Keller
Zoie Neidy