What is typically the outcome of extinction in behavioral training?

In behavioral training, extinction refers to the process of reducing or eliminating a behavior by withholding the reinforcement that previously maintained it. When a behavior is no longer rewarded, it typically leads to a gradual decrease in the frequency of that behavior. This is because the dog learns that engaging in that behavior will not yield the desired outcome (like attention or treats). Over time, as the behavior is not reinforced, it loses its strength and frequency.

It's important to note that during the extinction process, some initial fluctuations in behavior may occur, such as an increase in the behavior or variations in how frequently the behavior is exhibited, known as an extinction burst. However, the long-term outcome is a sustained decrease in the behavior as the animal adjusts to the new condition of no reinforcement. This makes the outcome of extinction an essential principle in behavioral modification and training strategies.