You want to train your puppy to sit down and "play dead," explain how each of th

A continuous schedule of reinforcement should be employed when initially teaching the dog to sit. During the acquisition stage, a dog will learn much more quickly if it is reinforced every time it performs a given behavior. The dog should eventually be moved to a variable ratio schedule, in which it is only reinforced occasionally. This will prevent extinction, because the dog will not know when it is going to be reinforced and should continue the desired behavior. Shaping will be employed by reinforcing successive approximations to the desired behavior. As the dog moves toward the ground, it will get reinforced; then again when it goes further down; and so on until it is exhibiting the desired behavior. Positive reinforcement could be employed by giving the dog a treat each time the desired behavior occurs. Negative reinforcement could be employed by playing an annoying buzzing sound until the dog initially sits. Punishment could be employed by taking away the dog's favorite toy if they do not sit.