All behavior is purposeful and many times, it’s designed to get a reward which might be attention or a treat. If you consistently fail to reward the behavior, it stops. It's "extinguished"!
When Kevin begs for a cookie and you give him one, you’ve taught him that begging works. To train him not to beg, don’t give him attention or the cookie. When he’s not begging for a cookie, tell him he should be proud of himself which rewards positive behavior.
It’s like a slot machine. If you reward him every now and then, Kevin will never stop begging.
Also be ready for the sharp, temporary increase in behavior when you stop rewarding it. This “response burst” is designed to weaken you! Stay strong and be consistent!
Claudia
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