Basic’s of Dog Training: Rewards- Day 2

Day 2 of my Basic’s of Dog Training series is very important. Dog’s need

motivation as they learn and rewards provide it! Without motivation, why

would a dog do what you want?

How and what should I reward?

• Rewards can be many things- Rewards are not just food. Sure, some dogs will do anything for a food reward. Others prefer to work for a toy or for attention. Plan to reward your dog three ways at first: with a treat, verbally, and with attention. All three are very important, as we phase out food rewards the others will hold more primary roles. Do not neglect the verbal or physical praise.
• Rewards should be small- The dog does not need a large piece of treat every time he does well. Actually, a very small piece, just a taste is better. If you give your dog a large reward, he will get full and stop working. He will also get fat. Use a reward that is proportional to the size of the dog. A good rule of thumb is to base the size of the reward on the size of the teeth, it should be about the size of the base of the canine.
• Rewards should be no more than 10% of your dogs diet- As you work, remember not to give your dog too much. Use food rewards only when training and only when the dog does what you ask. I actually like to use dog food when I teach sometimes (especially with dogs that are not picky). Then, I can just subtract the amount that I used as a treat from feeding time later. Plus, I know the dog food is healthy.
• Rewards must be something your dog wants- This seems obvious. If your dog does not want the treat you are trying to give him, its not a reward. Try something else (another type of treat or a toy). A reward must be positive, the dog must be willing to work for it.
• Use “life rewards”- “Life rewards” are positive things that occur everyday in the life of a dog. Examples are: placing down the food bowl, throwing a ball, getting a belly rub and going for a walk. It only takes a moment to ask your dog to “sit” before you put the bowl down, then, the food is the reward for good behavior.
• Do not reward your dog for effort- reward only when the dog listens and does what you command. Many students say “well he tried” and reward, but that does not teach your dog good behavior. He needs to learn that he gets a treat for the right thing, and doesn’t get anything for disobedience.

So, consider what motivates your dog, what can you use for a reward? Leave other ideas in comments!

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