What is an example of a Primary Reward?

A primary reward is something that fulfills a basic need and is naturally reinforcing, meaning it does not require any previous conditioning to be effective. In this context, a scented reward object from a source, such as a specific scent that a dog is trained to detect, serves as a primary reward. The dog is intrinsically motivated to seek out the scent because it ties directly to their natural instincts and abilities, making it highly reinforcing.

In contrast, options like an unscented object from the handler or a toy may serve as secondary rewards but don't provide the same innate motivation tied to the dog’s instincts. Similarly, a food treat that is not related to training can be a reward, but it does not harness the specific drive related to the dog's work and training, making it less effective in the scenario presented. The core aspect of the correct answer lies in its direct relation to the dog's natural inclinations and instincts.