Training Helping Animals with Operant Conditioning Dogs for the Disabled, a British nonprofit organization, is one of many groups that use operant conditioning to train helper animals. During “sneeze training,” shown here, a trainer uses hand signals and a clicker to teach a young Labrador to bring tissues when needed. Dogs are taught to open and close doors, help people dress and undress, and even empty a washing machine. Intensive training lasts for about 8 months before young dogs are ready to be placed with an owner.
CAMERA PRESS/Martin Pope/Redux