Operant Conditioning Examples

Positive Reinforcement

The dog offers you his paw when given the “shake” cue. You give the dog a treat.
The dog lays down when given the “down” cue. You give the dog praise.
The dog barks when given the “speak” cue. You give the dog a favorite toy.

While the dog is standing at your side, you give the “sit” cue and simultaneously pull the leash upward to put pressure around the dog’s collar. You release (take away) the pressure when the dog’s hind end touches the ground. (Not a customary LIMA method)
You give the “down” cue and simultaneously pull the leash towards the ground, putting downward pressure on the dog’s neck. You release the pressure (take away) when the dog is laying down. (Not a customary LIMA method)

Your dog mounts and humps another dog. You interrupt the behavior by loudly and firmly saying “don’t!”
You give your dog the “let’s go” cue, but the dog stays put and does not walk with you. Your dog is wearing a chain collar, so you apply (give) a sharp leash correction. (not exactly a LIMA method)
Your dog is looking out the window and barking at kids walking to school. You discourage the behavior by giving the dog a swat with a rolled-up newspaper (decidedly not LIMA).

Your dog is pulling on the leash to try to walk faster. You plant your feet and stop (take away) forward progress until he stops pulling.
Your dog jumps up on you to get attention. You turn your back to the dog and ignore her (take away all attention) until she is calm.
You give your dog the “down” cue. He sits but does not lie down. You withhold the treat because the correct behavior was not offered (very LIMA compatible).