Using rewards in dog training

This article intends to explore the use of rewards in dog training. Including why they are helpful and what constitutes a reward. In addition to this we discuss how to choose the right reward for your dog and when to reduce and fade out the delivery of rewards.

Why use rewards in dog training?

Using rewards or reinforcers in dog training makes it more likely that the dog will repeat the desired behaviour. This can help speed up the training process as the dog will want to do what works best for them. Training in this way helps build a good relationship between the dog and handler, promoting engagement which is useful for training connection-based behaviour such as recall or walking nicely on the lead. Additionally reward based training is less stressful for the dog. 

What are reinforcements and rewards when it comes to dog training?

Reinforcement in dog training refers to a reward that can be given to the dog for executing a specific behaviour that is being trained.

Reinforcement takes many forms and ultimately your dog knows which reinforcement works best for them in a given training exercise. Food rewards are a great place to start, they need to be worth working for though, for example, if you’re training a recall outdoors in a distracting environment the reward on offer needs to be high value! (recall video for food)

A high value reward would be that extra special treat that your dog only gets once in a while. They can be used to reinforce more difficult or challenging behaviours. Lower value treats will still be enjoyed by your dog, but should only be used in situations where your dog is still motivated to work for them. They can be used more often, though.

For some dogs, food might not be as exciting so these dogs may prefer play as a reward. Having two border collies, I have certainly experienced this – they much prefer a tug toy to a piece of chicken when training. It’s useful to have a special toy (or high-value reward) that is only used as a reward in training. If a reinforcement history has been built with that toy the dog will so excited to see it!

The environment can also be used as reinforcement. For example, if your dog wants to get to a lamppost to sniff, they can get to that reward if they walk nicely on a lead. Another example of this could be letting your dog go again after a good recall. 

 Making the best choice of rewards when dog training

How will you know which reward to use in which setting? It’s important to note your dogs’ engagement and motivation to work. Using a lower value food reward for a new behaviour in a distracting environment can lead to decreased motivation to work and the dog may become easily distracted. For some behaviours such as recall, play can be very valuable in building in a fast recall. If your dog wishes to say hello to a person it can gain access to the person by walking nicely on lead and sitting to be greeted.

How to get the most out of your dog training rewards

Motivation can also be increased by making the rewards more fun. Throwing the food rather than handing it to the dogs mouth makes the food more exciting. Adding movement to toys by moving away from the dog to encourage drive into the reward.

Dog training with rewards and reinforcement: Getting the balance right 

So if we are to use rewards in training, how do we do this in a such a way that the dog does not become reliant on them?

Well, a good dog trainer will be able to help with this. It’s important to understand when you need to reinforce and what behaviours require reinforcement. But also have the knowledge of when to reduce the reward for your dog, deliver an intermittent schedule of reinforcement and then fade out the reward completely. This is certainly a skill and if done correctly the behaviour will maintain, reduced or removed too soon and the dogs behaviour will diminish.

Dog training: Rewards and reinforcement in conclusion

To conclude, it is widely understood that the use of rewards in training is an effective way to build reliable behaviours in dogs. It builds trust, connection and promotes repetition of the desired behaviour. As long as the handler understands how to use rewards correctly there is little fallout from the use of rewards. Though it is important to note that there is a process to follow whereby the handler is able to fade out the use in a systematic way.

If you like this guide why not read more about our 1:1 training services 

Why should I use rewards when it comes to dog training?

Using rewards is a great way to build an establish desirable behaviours

What is reinforcement when it comes to dog training?

Reinforcement takes many forms, food, play, affection and access to something can all be used as reinforcement

What is an environmental reward when it comes to dog training?

You can use the environment as a reward when training your dog in loose lead walking