What counts as a reward for your dog??
Reward-based training is a kind and effective way to teach your dog new skills while building a strong, trusting bond. The key is finding out what truly motivates your dog—and using it well.
Praise is often overlooked, but it can be powerful, especially when your tone is warm and enthusiastic. Many dogs work well for their usual daily food, especially when it’s delivered during training rather than from a bowl on the floor. For dogs who need more motivation, try using high-value treats like cheese, chicken, or beef—something really special.
Toys also make brilliant rewards. A quick game of tug or a throw of a ball can be just as exciting as food. And then there are life rewards—things your dog naturally enjoys, like a swim in the river, a walk in the woods, or time to sniff their favourite spot.
Rather than putting their food down in a bowl and walking away, use that valuable resource for fun, five-minute training sessions. Just a little practice each day adds up.
By mixing different types of rewards, you’ll keep training fresh, fun, and rewarding for both of you.
Next time, we’ll explore recall training—and the all-important dos and don’ts.
