When my colleagues and I begin working with a dog by giving it treats to reward behavior, one of the first questions we are asked is “What are you feeding him/her?” Owners ask this because they are excited and amazed by their dogs’ engagement with us. We know how to get your dogs to play our games. But it’s not just that we often bring novel treats for your dogs — our observation skills, timing, criteria, and rate of reinforcement outpace your training skills by miles. Don’t feel bad, I’m sure you’re way better at your job than we could ever be, and remember, this is why you hired us! 

In addition to coaching you to improve your training skills, we also counsel you on the types of reinforcers (rewards) to use with your dogs. Variety is the spice of life! Read my previous blog post, Grocery Shopping with a Trainer, for tips on training treats. 

Once you’ve determined how your dog ranks various rewards, which rewards should you use when? 

Minimum Wage

Think of easy indoor behaviors like a minimum wage job. Minimum wage rewards may be your dog’s kibble or jerky-type food. Examples of easy indoor behaviors include sitting in the living room, going to place on cue, or coming when called. These behaviors are typically rewarded with minimum wages such as verbal praise, petting, and plain Jane dog food. 

Bonus Check

Bust out bonus checks when your dog ignores tempting distractions in your home. Does your dog sit when someone walks through your front door? Does your dog go to place on cue whenever you sit down for dinner? Will your dog come away from the window when called? If so, you can quickly communicate your appreciation and approval by rewarding with higher value food or toys.  

Six-Figure Salary

Think of going outside with your dog as entering a competitive market. Your dog’s top talent, attention, is ready for recruitment. Your top competitor for your dog’s attention are the critters, bicycles, delivery trucks, children, and other dogs — in other words, life! Did your dog sit and pay attention to you as the kids hopped off the school bus? Make it rain with fabulous food! Is your dog tucked out of the way on a mat while you dine al fresco? Give them a funtastic food puzzle. Did your dog come away from a rabbit when called? Engage your dog with a game of tug using a rabbit-fur -covered tug toy. 

Once you understand your dog’s pay structure, you can keep your top talent exceeding expectations. Make it worthwhile for your dog to play your games, i.e. train! Please keep this in mind whenever you are in a new environment with your dog, or new people are coming into your home. Wondering when you can stop rewarding your dog? Read more about that here.