R+ Dog Training
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A brief lexicon of behavioral terms used under this training method:


TERM

DEFINITION

Reinforcement

Anything that strengthens a behavior

Punishment

Anything that suppresses a behavior

Positive

Something added to influence a behavior

Negative

Something taken away to influence a behavior

 

Application of these terms:

TRAINING APPLICATION

WHAT HAPPENS

To do this:

Positive Reinforcement  R+

Something is added that strengthens a behavior

the something is good or desired by the subject

Negative Reinforcement R-

Something is taken away that strengthens a behavior

the something is bad or aversive to the subject

Positive Punishment     P+

Something is added that suppresses a behavior

the something is bad or aversive to the subject

Negative Punishment    P-

Something is taken away that suppresses a behavior

the something is good or desired by the subject

Extinction                    E

A behavior goes away because it is not reinforced

nothing happens to the subject, good or bad

 

Click here for some examples of each application

 

Summary of dog training realms:

TERM

DEFINITION

"Traditional" training 

Works primarily in the R-, P+ realm

Positive traditional training*

Mixes rewards and lures with R-, P+

So-called "clicker" training

Works primarily in the R+, P-, E realm

Crossover trainer

PTT or a traditional trainer who switched to clicker training

© Catherine Toft 2007