What principle is demonstrated when a dog is rewarded with a treat for sitting?

The principle demonstrated when a dog is rewarded with a treat for sitting is positive reinforcement. Positive reinforcement involves adding a pleasant stimulus—like a treat—immediately following a desired behavior, which in this case is the dog sitting. This approach increases the likelihood of the behavior being repeated in the future, as the dog learns that sitting results in positive outcomes.

In this scenario, the treat acts as a reward that encourages the dog to continue sitting on command. The key aspect of positive reinforcement is that it strengthens behaviors through rewards rather than through the removal or punishment of an undesired action, which is illustrated in other concepts like negative punishment or positive punishment. Positive reinforcement is a foundational principle in dog training, emphasizing the importance of rewarding good behavior to foster a positive learning environment.