What does "lumping" refer to in veterinary behavior shaping?

In the context of veterinary behavior shaping, "lumping" refers to the practice of creating large jumps in training criteria. This approach can lead to confusion for the animal, as it does not allow for gradual progression through smaller, manageable steps. Training that involves lumping can be counterproductive, as it may overwhelm the animal and increase frustration, thereby impairing the learning process.

By making significant leaps in expectations, the animal may struggle to understand what is being asked, which can result in inconsistency in performance and reduced confidence. Effective behavior shaping typically advocates for breaking down behaviors into smaller approximations, leading to smoother and more successful training outcomes.