In 2 experiments, we examined the effects of programmed reinforcement for compliance with high‐probability (high‐p) instructions on compliance with low‐probability (low‐p) instructions. In Experiment 1, we compared the high‐p sequence with and without programmed reinforcement (i.e., edible items) for compliance with high‐p instructions. Results showed that the high‐p sequence increased compliance with low‐p instructions only when compliance with high‐p instructions was followed by reinforcement. In Experiment 2, we examined the role of reinforcer quality by delivering a lower quality reinforcer (praise) for compliance with high‐p instructions. Results of Experiment 2 showed that the high‐p sequence with lower quality reinforcement did not improve compliance with low‐p instructions; the addition of a higher quality reinforcer (i.e., edible items) contingent on compliance with high‐p instructions did increase compliance with low‐p instructions.