Differential reinforcement

How it works

It has several named forms. Differential reinforcement of an incompatible behavior pays something the dog physically cannot do at the same time as the problem, such as lying down instead of jumping. Differential reinforcement of an alternative behavior pays a different acceptable option. Differential reinforcement of other behavior pays anything except the problem. All of them work by making a second option worth more, rather than by making the first option unpleasant, which is why they sit well up the Humane Hierarchy.

What it looks like

A dog jumps at visitors. Rather than correcting the jump, the handler reinforces four paws on the floor every time the dog greets someone. Jumping earns nothing at all and standing earns food, and within a few weeks the greeting has changed shape.

Commonly confused with

Extinction

Extinction is only the withholding half: a behavior fades because it stops working. Differential reinforcement adds the other half, paying something else instead, which is generally faster and much less frustrating for the dog.

Related terms