Differential Reinforcement of Other Behavior (DRO) involves which concept?

• A. Rewarding only the first correct response
• B. Punishing all non-target responses
• C. Rewarding any response other than the unwanted behaviors
• D. Ignoring all responses

Answer: (C)

DRO centers on reinforcing the absence of the problematic behavior. In this approach, you define a time interval, and if the target behavior does not occur during that interval, you deliver a reinforcer. Because reinforcement is tied to not displaying the unwanted behavior, any other behavior that the dog emits during that interval is considered acceptable and can lead to reinforcement. Over time, this boosts the likelihood of alternative, appropriate behaviors and reduces the frequency of the problem behavior.

This isn’t about punishing non-target responses or rewarding only the first correct action, and it isn’t about ignoring everything. It’s about paying for the absence of the unwanted behavior and the occurrence of any other behavior during the interval.