What are R+, R-, P+, P-, and extinction?
You’ll see these abbreviations pop up on the list fairly often. They are abbreviations for terms used in Operant Conditioning. They stand for: • Positive reinforcement (R+): something is added to increase the occurrence of a behavior. For example, you give the dog a treat to reinforce the sit. • Negative reinforcement (R-): something is removed to increase the occurrence of a behavior. For example, in the forced retrieve (not a clicker technique), a dog’s ear is pinched to force him to open his mouth to take the dumbbell. When the dog opens his mouth — the desired behavior — the ear pinch is released. • Positive punishment (P+): something is added to decrease the occurrence of a behavior. For example, a collar pop is applied (not a clicker training technique) to discourage a dog from pulling on the lead. • Negative punishment (P-): something is removed to decrease the occurrence of a behavior. For example, turning away (removing attention) from a dog who is jumping up on you. • Extin
