The 4 Quadrants of Training

by Mariana & Griffin Mekelburg, LARPBO Trainers (Apr 4 2018)

• Positive means to add something
• Negative means to remove something
• Reinforcement means to increase a desired behavior
• Punishment means to decrease a desired behavior

Negative reinforcement – we are removing an aversive stimulus to increase the frequency of the behavior.

Example: Leash pressure is released once the dog complies.

Positive reinforcement -This is adding a desirable stimulus to increase the frequency of the behavior.

Example: Dog comes when called and receives a treat.

Negative punishment – This is removing a desirable stimulus to reduce the frequency of the behavior.

Example: Dog jumps on you, you turn away and walk away, removing said attention to reduce the frequency of the jumping.

Positive punishment – This is adding an aversive stimulus to prevent the behavior from happening.

Example: Giving the dog a pop on the leash when he’s pulling.