Which term refers to anything that helps to increase a behavior and is perceived as good by the recipient?

• A. Punisher
• B. Reinforcer
• C. Motivator
• D. Reward

Answer: (B)

The main idea here is reinforcement: a reinforcer is anything that, when presented after a behavior, increases the likelihood that the behavior will occur again. For it to work, the recipient must value it in the moment; if the dog finds the item or outcome desirable, it strengthens the behavior that preceded it. This can be a treat, praise, a toy, play, or access to something the dog wants, and it can be a primary reinforcer (like food) or a conditioned/secondary reinforcer (like praise or a click). The important point is the functional effect—the consequence increases the future probability of the behavior. A punisher would do the opposite and reduce the behavior, while a motivator or a general “reward” label doesn’t specify the exact behavioral effect as clearly as the term reinforcer.