What type of conditioning is primarily used in dog training?

Operant conditioning is primarily used in dog training due to its focus on reinforcing desired behaviors through consequences. This type of conditioning involves training dogs to associate specific actions with rewards or punishments. For instance, when a dog sits on command and receives a treat, it learns that sitting leads to positive reinforcement. This method is effective because it helps the dog understand the direct relationship between its behavior and the outcomes, encouraging repetition of the desired actions.

The other forms of conditioning mentioned in the options do not play as central a role in dog training. Classical conditioning focuses on pairing a neutral stimulus with an unconditioned stimulus to create a learned response, which can occur in some training contexts but is not as effective for teaching new commands or behaviors. Social conditioning typically refers to learning from interactions within a social context, which can influence behavior but is not the primary technique for training. Negative conditioning, though it may involve consequences, often has negative connotations and can lead to anxiety or stress in dogs, making it less preferable in training practices.