Which action best illustrates positive reinforcement?

Which action best illustrates positive reinforcement?

• A. Giving a treat after a command
• B. Withholding food after a command
• C. Shock after misbehavior
• D. Shouting after a command

Answer: (A)

Positive reinforcement means adding something desirable right after the dog performs the desired behavior, which makes that behavior more likely to happen again. Giving a treat immediately after the dog follows a command is the clearest example: the tasty reward reinforces the command, so the dog learns to repeat it. The other options don’t reinforce the behavior. Withholding food after a command removes a reward and can discourage the response. A shock after misbehavior is an aversive that aims to deter, not reinforce, the behavior. Shouting after a command is another aversive approach that can create fear or stress and doesn’t reliably strengthen the desired response.

Positive reinforcement means adding something desirable right after the dog performs the desired behavior, which makes that behavior more likely to happen again. Giving a treat immediately after the dog follows a command is the clearest example: the tasty reward reinforces the command, so the dog learns to repeat it.

The other options don’t reinforce the behavior. Withholding food after a command removes a reward and can discourage the response. A shock after misbehavior is an aversive that aims to deter, not reinforce, the behavior. Shouting after a command is another aversive approach that can create fear or stress and doesn’t reliably strengthen the desired response.