The effect of postural reflexes on the acquisition of the left foreleg-right foreleg differentiation in dogs.

One group of dogs was trained to perform a placing movement of the right or left foreleg in response to tactile stimuli administered to the ipsilateral hindlimbs. The animals learned this task with difficulty. In another group of dogs the method of crossed reflexes was applied. As a correct response to the right tactile stimulus, the movement of the left foreleg was required, and vice versa. This task was solved rapidly. It is suggested that this was due to the facilitory effect of the Sherringtonian postural reflexes.