Under a Continuous Reward Schedule, when is the dog rewarded?

Under a Continuous Reward Schedule, when is the dog rewarded?

• A. After a fixed number of correct responses
• B. After every correct response
• C. After a fixed interval
• D. After a random interval

Answer: (B)

Continuous reinforcement means rewarding every correct response. In training a military working dog, this immediate, consistent feedback makes the link between the behavior and the reward crystal clear, so the dog learns quickly which actions earn the reward and repeats them reliably. This approach is ideal when teaching a new behavior or shaping a response, because each correct action is reinforced and the behavior is strengthened with minimal ambiguity. If rewards come after a fixed number of correct responses, that’s a fixed-ratio pattern, where the reward depends on hitting a set count. If rewards come after a fixed interval, that’s a fixed-interval pattern, dependent on time rather than how many times the behavior is performed. If rewards are given after a random interval, that’s a variable-interval pattern, with unpredictable timing. None of these match continuous reinforcement, which specifically rewards every single correct response.

Continuous reinforcement means rewarding every correct response. In training a military working dog, this immediate, consistent feedback makes the link between the behavior and the reward crystal clear, so the dog learns quickly which actions earn the reward and repeats them reliably. This approach is ideal when teaching a new behavior or shaping a response, because each correct action is reinforced and the behavior is strengthened with minimal ambiguity.

If rewards come after a fixed number of correct responses, that’s a fixed-ratio pattern, where the reward depends on hitting a set count. If rewards come after a fixed interval, that’s a fixed-interval pattern, dependent on time rather than how many times the behavior is performed. If rewards are given after a random interval, that’s a variable-interval pattern, with unpredictable timing. None of these match continuous reinforcement, which specifically rewards every single correct response.