Which type of reinforcement increases the likelihood of a behavior occurring again?

Positive reinforcement is the process by which a desirable stimulus is added following a behavior, which increases the likelihood that the behavior will be repeated in the future. This approach is based on the principles of operant conditioning, where rewarding a specific behavior encourages the animal to perform that behavior again.

For instance, if a bird steps onto a scale during a veterinary visit and is rewarded with a treat, the bird is likely to step onto the scale again in the future because it associates the act with receiving a reward. This method is effective in creating a positive experience, which is crucial in a veterinary environment to reduce fear and anxiety in avian patients.

Using positive reinforcement fosters a trusting and cooperative relationship between the animal and the caregiver, which is central to a Fear Free approach in veterinary practice.