Avoidance training is defined as what?

• A. The MWD learns that performing the command will avoid compulsion completely.
• B. The MWD is rewarded only after a correct response.
• C. The MWD is punished for incorrect responses.
• D. The MWD receives a random reward regardless of performance.

Answer: (A)

Avoidance training happens when the dog learns to perform a command specifically to prevent an aversive consequence from occurring. It’s a form of negative reinforcement—the action removes or avoids the unpleasant outcome, so the dog is motivated to respond to avoid that correction. This fits the idea that the dog learns that taking the command will prevent the aversive event entirely. It’s not about earning a reward after the correct response (that’s positive reinforcement), nor about punishing for incorrect responses, nor about random rewards. For example, if a dog sits on cue to prevent a leash correction, it’s engaging in avoidance training.