Rewarding Good Behaviors (Part 1)

We know the benefits of positive enforcement during training but how can we add some variety to our rewards? There are many ways to reward your pet and they vary a great deal. These range from simple things such as petting the dog or scratching her ears to more elaborate treats such as home cooked gourmet treats. The rule regarding behavioral rewards is this: Always be certain to provide the reward immediately after the desired behavior is carried out.

One great idea for a reward is play time with your pet. Most dogs enjoy a brisk game of tug-o-war or chase. Some dogs will even show creativity and turn the game of chase into hide and seek, ducking behind bushes, trees or other obstacles and then timidly peeking out from their hiding places to see if you are following. Your pet enjoys spending time with you, so make this a reward that is used often as it greatly increases the bond between you and the animal.

Another great idea for rewarding your dog is time with a favorite toy. One of my dogs’ personal favorites is the Kong toy line. These are a great toy as they are very durable, dishwasher safe and are great for teaching your dog problem solving in themselves. This hard rubber toy is shaped like a pyramid of balls balanced one atop the other and hollow in the middle. The hollow part is where the problem solving skills come into play. Many trainers will stuff these toys with all manner of goodies and treats before giving them to their pets. Depending on how tightly they are stuffed and what items you use, unstuffing them can be an all day project for your pet. ( A side note: Stuffed Kong toys can be a bit messy, it is recommended that they be kept as an outdoor reward or on easily cleaned surfaces such as vinyl or tile floors. ) Would you like some recipe ideas for stuffed Kong toys that can also be used as treats in absence of the Kong toy?

1 2 »