🎯 The 4 Quadrants of Operant Conditioning – Explained Simply

Aug '25 • GENERAL

Let’s break it down in simple terms with human analogies so it clicks 👇

1. Positive Reinforcement (Add Something Good)

You add something the dog likes to increase a behavior.
Example with people: You work hard, and your boss gives you a bonus. You’re more likely to keep working hard.
With dogs: They sit when asked, you give them a treat → sitting happens more often.

2. Negative Reinforcement (Remove Something Bad)

You take away something unpleasant to increase a behavior.
Example with people: Your car stops that annoying seatbelt alarm once you buckle up → you buckle faster next time.
With dogs: Light leash pressure is released the moment they walk nicely → loose leash walking gets stronger.

3. Positive Punishment (Add Something Bad)

You add something the dog doesn’t like to decrease a behavior.
Example with people: You touch a hot stove and get burned → you stop touching hot stoves.
With dogs: Dog jumps on the counter, gets startled by a loud noise → counter-surfing decreases.

4. Negative Punishment (Remove Something Good)

You take away something the dog wants to decrease a behavior.
Example with people: You’re speeding, and the police take away your license → you’re less likely to speed.
With dogs: Dog jumps up for attention, you turn away and withhold it → jumping decreases.

💡 How to Apply This in Training:

Most pet training relies heavily on positive reinforcement (adding rewards to grow behaviors).
But the truth is, all 4 quadrants exist in real life—dogs are learning through them whether we intentionally use them or not.
The key is to understand which quadrant you’re using, so you’re clear about how and why behavior is changing.

👉 Think about it: what’s a habit you changed in YOUR life because of one of these quadrants? Drop it in the comments!

0 comments

skool.com/the-doggy-brigade-8207

Welcome to The Dog Training Hub!

This community is dedicated to helping dog owners train happier, healthier, and better-behaved dogs.

Bring people together around your passion and get paid.