Abstract: There are provided a non-punitive, positive-reinforcement based automatically rewarding training device and a method for training an animal or patient to reduce exhibition of an undesired behavior in a caretaker's absence. The training device delivers rewards automatically at an interval of time, in response to a detected desired behavior and/or in response to a reduction or absence of a undesired behavior. The animal's general behavior is monitored with behavior detectors and one or more desired and/or undesired behaviors are targeted. An interval of time between the delivery of consecutive rewards may be modulated as a function of the targeted behaviors that are detected.