NCJ Number
7096
Date Published
1971
Length
49 pages
Annotation
EXPLORATORY WORK IN ODOR DISCRIMINATION AND BEHAVIOR CONTROL TECHNIQUES PERFORMED WITH DOGS TO ENABLE THEM TO SEARCH FOR HEROIN.
Abstract
THE ACQUISITION AND MAINTENANCE OF DETECTION AND SEARCH TASK BEHAVIORS ARE ACCOMPLISHED WITH POSITIVE CONTROL TECHNIQUES. THE PRINCIPAL CONTROLLING REINFORCER IS FOOD. THE PERFORMANCE OF TASK BEHAVIORS IS GRADUALLY SHAPED IN SMALL STEPS, BEGINNING WITH VERY SIMPLE AND EASILY LEARNED BEHAVIORS. A SIMPLE SEARCH MODEL IS OBTAINED WHEN THESE FUNDAMENTAL PERFORMANCES ARE COMBINED. TRAINING PROCEDURES ARE DESCRIBED IN FOUR SEARCH SCENARIOS. THE VALIDITY OF THE METHOD DESCRIBED WAS ESTABLISHED BY OBTAINING A CLEAR DISCRIMINATION TO HEROIN AND SIMPLE SEARCH CONTROL IN TWO DOGS. AUTHOR ABSTRACT