What does the term "Conditioned Emotional Response" (CER) refer to?

The term "Conditioned Emotional Response" (CER) refers to a learned emotional response that typically arises through classical conditioning. In this context, an emotional reaction is established when an individual learns to associate a specific stimulus with a particular emotional state, often leading to fear or anxiety.

For example, if a dog experiences a negative event, such as a loud noise or an aggressive encounter with another dog, it may begin to feel fear whenever it encounters similar stimuli, even if the new context is safe. This association is essential in understanding how dogs can develop fears or phobias, which can greatly impact their behavior and welfare.

In contrast, the other options focus on different aspects of training or behavior modification. Positive reinforcement is a method used to encourage desired behaviors, but it does not directly relate to the concept of conditioned emotional responses. Similarly, direct conditioning of desired behaviors usually pertains to operant conditioning rather than emotional responses, and the teaching of impulse control involves training techniques aimed at managing behavior rather than addressing emotional reactions. Understanding CER is crucial for trainers who work with dogs that have specific fears or anxiety, enabling them to develop effective strategies for behavior modification and emotional support.