Which method of training is characterized by being more reliable?

The method of training that is characterized by being more reliable is compulsion. Compulsion-based training typically involves forcing the animal to comply through pressure or discomfort until it learns to perform the desired behavior to avoid the negative stimulus. This approach often leads to quick, consistent responses from the animal because it creates a clear cause-and-effect relationship.

While coercion may involve using fear or intimidation, it can lead to stress and mistrust, ultimately reducing the reliability of the behavior in the long term. Positive reinforcement focuses on rewarding desirable behavior, which can be effective but may take longer to establish reliable responses in certain situations. Behavior shaping involves gradual learning through successive approximations, which can be time-consuming and may not result in the immediate reliability seen with compulsion training.

In high-pressure environments, such as those encountered in narcotics detection work, the need for immediate and reliable responses often makes compulsion a preferred method for handlers seeking quick compliance.