This training technique involves reinforcing behaviors that increasingly resemble a desired outcome. For instance, if the goal is to teach a dog to retrieve a specific object, initially, any movement towards the object might be rewarded. As the dog progresses, rewards are given only for touching the object, then picking it up, and finally, bringing it back. This gradual process builds complex behaviors from simpler actions.
This method offers several advantages. It allows for the development of complex behaviors that might be difficult or impossible to teach directly. It minimizes frustration for both learner and trainer by providing positive reinforcement throughout the process. Rooted in behavioral psychology, this approach has been successfully applied in diverse fields, from animal training and education to therapy and skill development within organizations.
