An animal trainer is teaching a miniature poodle to balance on a ball. initially, he gives the poodle a treat for approaching the ball, then only for placing its front paws on the ball, and finally only for climbing on the ball. the trainer is using the method of:

The trainer is using the method of successive approximations. In addition, successive approximation is a sequence of rewards that offer positive reinforcement for behavior variations that are successive steps on the way to the final preferred. The theory was first created and used by Skinner, who is recognized for his theories that contain learning behaviors by means of reinforcement. The theory includes reinforcing behavior that is successively closer and closer to the approximations of the anticipated or directed behavior.