My experiences with Operant Conditioning are most easily applied to dogs.

My most recent dog training effort was in training Mikes dog, Cesar, not to bolt through a door when its opened. I first noticed this issue when Mike, a 68 year old veteran with extensive prostate cancer, was tripped by the dog running to go outside. The first training method I used was unpleasant consequences (punishments) to establish what the boundary was. When Cesar tried to run back through the door to come inside, I held my foot in front of the opening so he ran into it chest first. Startled, he took a step back and after a few snaps and points, he sat. This pattern continued for about a week, improving slightly every time. I followed this attempt at conditioning with a series of pleasant consequences (rewards) designed to get Cesar to actively sit before the door before attempting entry. When he approached the door, at this point he would stare at my foot, so I held up a treat. When he looked up, I directed him to sit, and then rewarded him after a short wait. After a few of these exercises, he began sitting at the door when someone was present, but still ran through if he thought no one was looking. The final stage in training thus far has been to open the door after he sits, then walk around a corner and sit down while he waits. In theory, this establishes a more permanent invisible line. The consequence being a treat: an invitation in, then vigorous petting and doting attention. Up to now, the door hasnt been bolted through again, and Mike feels much safer around his 7 pound Shiatsu/Brussels Griffon, truly a creature to be feared.