In order to isolate the effectiveness of some components of social reinforcement given to the dog by the human, precise measurements were recorded of six dogs' performance in a disciplined training program. Both verbal praise and petting were used as rewards. When petting was discontinued, verbal praise alone was not sufficient to maintain performance. However, performance was re-established when petting was again added in a later phase of the experiment. The authors conclude that the evidence is supportive of the thesis that some kinds of tactile stimulation are of a primary reinforcement nature to the dog.
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