Ace the CPDT Challenge 2025 – Unleash Your Inner Dog Training Pro!

The reinforcement received by a dog that enjoys visits to the vet after being fed treats during examinations is classified as positive reinforcement. In this context, positive reinforcement occurs when a desirable stimulus, such as treats, is presented following a behavior—in this case, the dog's visit to the vet. This increases the likelihood that the dog will enjoy or seek out vet visits in the future because the experience is associated with the enjoyment of receiving treats.

Positive reinforcement is a fundamental principle in behavior modification and training. It is used to encourage and strengthen specific behaviors by providing rewards that the dog finds pleasant or rewarding. In this scenario, the dog's enjoyment of vet visits is influenced by the positive experiences created through the provision of treats.

The other types of reinforcement and punishment mentioned do not apply here. Negative reinforcement involves the removal of an unpleasant stimulus to increase a behavior, while positive punishment introduces an aversive stimulus to decrease a behavior. Extinction occurs when a previously reinforced behavior is no longer reinforced, leading to a decrease in that behavior over time. None of these alternatives fit the description of the scenario presented.