Glossary

Positive reinforcement

Adding something a dog likes right after a behavior so that the behavior becomes more likely to happen again.

Also called: reward-based training, reward training, R+

In learning science, "positive" means something is added and "reinforcement" means the behavior becomes more frequent. In practice it means a dog sits, and a treat, a toy, a game or praise follows at once. The dog learns that sitting pays off and does it more often.

Timing matters most. The reward has to arrive within a second or two of the behavior, which is why many trainers use a marker such as a click or a word. What counts as a reward is decided by the dog, not the owner: a food-loving Labrador may work for kibble, while another dog prefers a tug toy.

It is not bribery when the reward follows the behavior instead of being shown first, and it does not mean the dog never faces limits. Management, such as a gate or leash, still prevents unwanted behavior while the dog learns.

Last reviewed November 8, 2026

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Related terms

Negative punishment Removing something a dog wants right after an unwanted behavior so that the behavior becomes less likely. Operant conditioning Learning in which a dog changes its behavior because of the consequences that follow it. Force-free A training approach that avoids pain, fear and intimidation and teaches dogs with rewards, patience and good management. High-value treat A food reward the dog finds especially tempting, such as cooked chicken or cheese, saved for difficult training moments.