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Maximo · 12-15-2009, 07:53 AM

Maximo likes to do naughty things then turn around and sit nicely for a reward of either food or attention. Right after he gets what he wants, he does something naughty. If I withhold the reward, is there a risk that the good behavior will not be reinforced? If I give the reward, I worry that I am encouraging the cycle of bad-good-bad-good.

For instance, Maximo will go on a little barking bender for no reason (and he knows better) and then come and sit nicely in front of me. When he gets what he wants, he often will bark at me and jaunt off as if to say "fooled you!"

12-15-2009, 07:53 AM	#1
Maximo ♥ Maximo and Teddy Donating Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 25,041	Rewards and re-direction: when to hold Maximo likes to do naughty things then turn around and sit nicely for a reward of either food or attention. Right after he gets what he wants, he does something naughty. If I withhold the reward, is there a risk that the good behavior will not be reinforced? If I give the reward, I worry that I am encouraging the cycle of bad-good-bad-good. For instance, Maximo will go on a little barking bender for no reason (and he knows better) and then come and sit nicely in front of me. When he gets what he wants, he often will bark at me and jaunt off as if to say "fooled you!"