Everyone has their own way of teaching their dog that what they are doing is correct. What do you use to reward your pooch? Food treats? Pats? Games? All of these?

In my training, I used several things depending on what I am trying to accomplish.

In Quick responce training I use treats.

Long Term I phase out the treats and use Tactile rewards such as petting, body rubbing, face stroking and scratching. I also use thier favorite toys. If they love the toy, they will do anything to get a chance to play with it!

After building a trusting relationship and establishing a strong bond, verbal praise is enough because they simply JUST want to please me.

I think that is an ideal schedule. My dog jr isnt as fond as touching as with food rewards. But allowing him to go outside or a walk is something he considers "high value". Patricia McConnell makes a great point when she says that we have to remember that a reward in one context may not be a reward in another. For example, a dog loves pats but also likes fetch...the best reward when playing ball would be to throw the ball and not necesarily a pat on the back. Its an interesting thought...

Steven_L wrote:

I think that is an ideal schedule. My dog jr isnt as fond as touching as with food rewards. But allowing him to go outside or a walk is something he considers "high value". Patricia McConnell makes a great point when she says that we have to remember that a reward in one context may not be a reward in another. For example, a dog loves pats but also likes fetch...the best reward when playing ball would be to throw the ball and not necesarily a pat on the back. Its an interesting thought...

Agreed, Patchs LOVES treats ... but when we are having "playtime" she will leave treats on the floor if I am tossing one of her favorite toys around!!! This is a perfect example that rewards change value depending on the situation.

I feel that one of the biggest mistakes most ppl make is: they do not pay attention to what the dog likes and wants ... This doesnt mean that you let the dog run your life. It simply means that you need to be "in tune" so you can take advantage of your dogs mood and personality.

Lol Junior is the opposite, he`d leave a toy for treats anytime. Just goes to show that all dogs are different... And to think there are some that think dogs dont have personalities!

Steven_L wrote:

Lol Junior is the opposite, he`d leave a toy for treats anytime. Just goes to show that all dogs are different... And to think there are some that think dogs dont have personalities!

Ppl who think that dogs dont have personalities have obviously got thier eyes (and thier minds) closed tight!!!!

This one difference between Patchs and Jr is a perfect example of why it is wrong to think that all dogs can be trained using the same method and why it is important to "get to know" the dog before beginning any training!

betterdog4u wrote:

Ppl who think that dogs dont have personalities have obviously got thier eyes (and thier minds) closed tight!!!! This one difference between Patchs and Jr is a perfect example of why it is wrong to think that all dogs can be trained using the same method and why it is important to "get to know" the dog before beginning any training!

Couldn't have said it better myself!

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I do all of the above. I play with my lil guy as much as possible..he usually tires me out, aha! funny how what is! ..then when i ask him to do tricks i reward him with his treats and carrots. He loves them!

Every once in a while i will buy him a new toy to change things up and get him super excited!

I don't train my dog, but I have tried to but never got to it. Maybe I could get started today.

When I trainning with my dogs, I use food and game.

But when I trainning with sheep, I use simplelly the work "i'ts good!" because the best award for my dogs i'ts working with sheep.