Which scenario illustrates positive reinforcement (R+)?

• A. A dog sits and is given a treat immediately after.
• B. A dog is sprayed with water for barking.
• C. A dog is ignored after jumping.
• D. A dog pulls on leash and pressure is released.

Answer: (A)

Positive reinforcement means you add something the dog wants right after a behavior, making that behavior more likely to occur again. In this case, the dog sits and immediately receives a tasty treat. The treat is a desirable consequence that follows the sit, so the sit behavior is reinforced and the dog learns to sit to earn the treat again.

The other scenarios illustrate different training consequences. Spraying water after barking is adding an unpleasant stimulus to punish barking (positive punishment), which isn’t R+. Ignoring the dog after it jumps withholds attention, leading to extinction of the jumping behavior. Releasing pressure after the dog pulls on the leash removes an uncomfortable stimulus, which is negative reinforcement and tends to increase pulling rather than sitting.