Glossary

Negative reinforcement

Removing something unpleasant when a dog performs a behavior so that the behavior becomes more likely.

Also called: R-, pressure and release

In the four-part model "negative" means something is taken away and "reinforcement" means the behavior becomes more frequent. A classic example is steady pressure on a leash that releases the moment the dog steps toward the handler. The dog learns that moving closer makes the pressure stop.

The term is often misunderstood as meaning punishment. It is not, but it does rely on the dog first feeling something unpleasant, so it is considered an aversive method. Pressure and release can be gentle, such as a light hand on a hip, or harsh, such as an electronic collar held on until the dog complies.

Many trainers prefer to teach the same behaviors with rewards, which avoids the discomfort altogether.

Last reviewed November 8, 2026

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Related terms

Positive punishment Adding something unpleasant right after a behavior to make that behavior less likely, such as a leash jerk or a startling noise. Aversive Anything a dog wants to avoid, from a leash pop or shock to a loud noise, when used to change behavior. Positive reinforcement Adding something a dog likes right after a behavior so that the behavior becomes more likely to happen again. Operant conditioning Learning in which a dog changes its behavior because of the consequences that follow it.