Which method would likely strengthen a behavioral response?

Positive reinforcement is a method that involves adding a pleasant stimulus following a desired behavior, which increases the likelihood that the behavior will be repeated in the future. For example, if a dog performs a command correctly and is rewarded with a treat, praise, or playtime, that positive outcome encourages the dog to repeat that behavior. This technique is widely supported within the field of behavior modification because it builds a positive association with the behavior being reinforced.

While negative punishment and extinction can alter behavior, they do not inherently strengthen a desired response. Negative punishment involves removing a pleasant stimulus in response to an undesired behavior, which might suppress that behavior but does not reinforce a positive action. Extinction involves ignoring or withdrawing reinforcement of a behavior, leading to a decrease in that behavior over time. Negative reinforcement involves removing an aversive stimulus when a certain behavior occurs, which can strengthen that behavior, but it operates under different principles than positive reinforcement. Overall, positive reinforcement is the most effective and humane way to encourage and strengthen desired behaviors in dogs.