Avoidance training using an incremental vertical jump response in rats

A procedure is described for conditioning a vertical jump avoidance response in rats. Employing an auditory signal and gradually increasing the height of the response platform, rats showed rapid acquisition of a jump response to avoid shock. While the average maximum height of the jump response increased between original training and retraining 7 days later, retraining 40 days later resulted in stable responding that was consistent with the first retraining session.