What is the purpose of pay on sniff?

• A. To punish the MWD for sniffing.
• B. To reward the MWD for performing a sit/stay.
• C. To reinforce the operant sniff behavior when the MWD investigates the scent box.
• D. To encourage the MWD to ignore the scent box.

Answer: (C)

Pay on sniff uses positive reinforcement to strengthen the exact action you want, which is the dog sniffing and investigating the scent box. When the reward is given immediately after the dog sniffs the box, the dog learns that that sniffing behavior leads to something good, so it’s more likely to repeat it in the future. This helps shape and sustain the search behavior, directing the dog’s attention to the odor source and increasing reliable detection. It’s not about punishing the dog, rewarding a different behavior like sitting or staying, or encouraging the dog to ignore the scent box.