Creative Rewards

Living in southern California, it’s essential to have a working vehicle. Because my much-loved Jeep Cherokee has over 200,000 miles on it, I’ve been forced to begin to consider alternatives. I did research online. I talked to friends. I test-drove everything that was highly rated for mileage, safety, and amenities. Know what I found out? I like my beat up old Jeep. Short of a miracle (that is, Chrysler resurrecting the discontinued Cherokee), the search goes on.

What’s this got to do with dogs? It’s all about what’s rewarding to the individual. Just as a truck that can haul muddy dogs is more rewarding to me than a luxury SUV, your dog might not appreciate that new, expensive treat as much as he does a good roll in poop. Our consumer-driven society pushes all manner of things that are “new” and “improved,” and tries to sell us on the idea that if we just purchase this new product, it will hit the spot. But the real question is, what does your dog actually like? Because if you don’t really know, and you’re “rewarding” him with a so-so, blah kind of reward during training, you’re not going to get the results you could.

Take one full day to observe your dog. Other than the usual food treats, what does your dog find rewarding?

Even with food treats, here’s a way to find which he prefers:

With your dog in another room, make small piles of 3 or more different types of treats. Space them at least a few feet apart. Now, with your dog on a leash, walk him up to each pile so he can sniff, but not actually taste, each one. When you’re done, walk him back 10 feet or so, and let him off leash. Which pile did he make a beeline for? Chances are he’ll eat everything you put down, but what you’re looking for is where he went first. You might be surprised at what you discover.

Here is a short list of things other than food and treats that your dog might find rewarding:

- the door opening so he can go for a walk
- sniffing the grass
- approaching other dogs for a sniff
- playing with other dogs
- rolling on the grass (possibly in poop)
- petting
- massage
- bellyrubs
- being allowed to pull on leash, on cue
- chasing you
- being chased
- a game of tug
- being allowed up on the couch or bed
- lying next to you on the floor
- a toss of a ball or Frisbee
- going for a ride
- wild, enthusiastic praise
- chasing a small, fur-covered toy
- a squeaky toy
- a stuffed Kong or other food-dispensing puzzle
- the car door opening at the park

These are just a few examples. I’ve known trainers who have gotten so creative as to reward their dogs with a sniff of cat poop! As long as it’s safe, the sky’s the limit. The better the reward, the higher the motivation and the more effective the training. So get creative!