[Comparison of postural and motor components in instrumental defense learning in dogs]

In 6 dogs, during the period of a complete formation of the "co-ordination" program of defensive reflex associated with maintaining flexion of the left hind-limb, the diagonal pattern of posture readjustment occurred very infrequently. Only during the period of a complete automation of the motor habit, a constant occurrence of the diagonal pattern of posture readjustment was observed in all realisations. These findings suggest that the diagonal pattern of posture readjustment occurs much later than the motor pattern necessary for solving the instrumental task.