A huge amount of training relies upon learners responding to consequences. Some consequences strengthen behaviours (we call these reinforcers). Some consequences weaken behaviours ( we call these punishers).
On the surface:
A consequence that the animal 'likes/ wants again' will strengthen behaviour.
A consequence that they 'dislike/ don't want again' will weaken behaviour.
Let's go deeper.
WHY do they like/ dislike/ want/ don't want, these consequences?
Because of 3 ways of feeling.
*Sensory (feelings via the senses - hearing, taste, touch, sight, smell, vestibular, proprioception)
*Internal states (feelings via temperature/ hunger/ thirst etc)
*Emotions (effects on their physiology e.g. racing heart/ butterflies/ muscle tension etc.)
The consequence makes our learner FEEL something/s that they either want to feel again, or not.
If the consequence was entirely neutral it wouldn't change behaviour.
