I was not a natural when I first learned about dog training using rewards. I was able to teach my dog how to sit with a piece kibble held over his head, but anything beyond that was a struggle.
Laika, my dog of 6 years, taught me how important motivation and focus are for training. My rewards were not very exciting to a dog who had a “go, go, go” attitude. Laika will only do a trick once, and then move on. The reward is not worth the effort.
When I began training, I began to use different games and treats. I discovered which rewards motivated her and which made her yawn. She showed me how to make dog training interesting & fun by changing up the rewards.
Switching up the Rewards = More focus
I used to be known as the most predictable dog trainer in the world. Each time I picked up my clicker, I would head to the cupboard for some training treats. This worked for Carter, who was a food-loving dog. But it did not work for Laika. Laika didn't need long to learn the trick and lose interest.
My biggest improvement in dog training was learning to keep my dog interested. It's a gentle reminder to my dog that I bring all the fun and that those who listen to me will get good things. The easiest way to do this is by changing things up during training.
Laika is on high alert when I pull out the clicker. She knows that it is time to go. She doesn't know what she will be learning but she also has no clue what I am going to reward her with. Instead of going to the cupboard to get some treats, I go to the magic toy box. She has more than 20 toys at her disposal and doesn't know what she will get. Will it be tug or a bouncy-ball today? This spontaneity will keep her focused and the promise to play will hold her interest more than any treats.
Try changing things up if your dog tends to lose interest in training. The simple act of changing the routine will pique your dog's attention. You can then focus on rewards that will keep it interested.
Changing Rewards Motivates My Dog
Laika has taught me much about motivation when it comes to training. If I give her verbal praise or a treat for simple things like practicing tricks that she knows, she will not lose interest. The treats don't motivate her like they used to with Carter.
Laika brings me a new toy when we are working on something and I have grabbed some treats. Play is more motivating for her than food, unless it's meat. When I want to teach her something new, or if it's a challenge for her, I reward her with one of her favorite toys. A quick game of chasing the bubbles or tug is much more motivating to her than a silly reward.
Laika showed me that rewards can have different values and that mine were quite cheap. You expect me to “come here” rather than chase the squirrel for a head pat? No, thanks. I'll chase that squirrel and get pats later.” That was exactly what she said. I wasn't using any rewards that were appealing.
I select rewards that Laika loves and match her mood. I choose rewards based on Laika's love for the reward itself and her current mood. You can learn to motivate your dog by working with them. It could be a piece of cheese or a game. You can change up the rewards to suit the task.
Changing up the rewards makes training fun
Changing things up makes training more fun. Laika's playfulness makes it impossible to not have fun while training. We still had a lot of fun even if we didn't achieve our goal. When your dog is looking up at the sky, eagerly awaiting what's next in his life, it's difficult to get discouraged.
Laika has taught me many things in the last 6 years. But perhaps the most valuable lesson is that having fun is important. It doesn't need to be a chore and it shouldn't feel boring. You can make training your dog fun and exciting by changing things up.
Do you change your dog's rewards?
How can you make training your dog fun and interesting? Do you reward your dog with different things? Do you use food or play to motivate your dog?