Dog Training Is More Than Just Treats
While treats are commonly used in dog training as a form of positive reinforcement, effective dog training involves a combination of techniques and methods beyond just treats.
Treats are a popular and efficient tool in dog training. However, they are just one piece of the puzzle. Effective dog training goes beyond simply bribing your dog with food.
By the way, even in dog training jargon, there's a subtle difference between bribing and rewarding:
Rewarding:
Timing: Rewards are offered after the desired behaviour is performed. This reinforces the connection between the behaviour and the positive outcome.
Motivation: The goal is to make the desired behaviour more appealing and encourage the dog to repeat it willingly. The dog learns that good things happen when they exhibit the desired behaviour.
Example: Your dog sits when you ask, and you then give them a treat and praise them.
Bribing:
Timing: Bribes are offered before the desired behaviour is performed. This entices the dog to do the behaviour solely for the immediate reward.
Motivation: The goal is to achieve the desired behaviour at the moment, not necessarily encourage long-term learning or intrinsic motivation. The dog may not understand the connection between their action and the reward.
Example: You wave a treat in front of your dog's face to get them to sit, then give them the treat afterwards.
Here's how the differences can impact your dog training:
Effectiveness: Rewards encourage intrinsic motivation and long-term learning, while bribes rely on external motivation and may not translate to consistent behaviour.
Relationship: Rewards build a positive association between you and training, while bribes can create a transactional relationship focused on rewards.
Dependence: Dogs might become reliant on constant rewards if treated with bribes, while with rewarding, you can gradually phase out treats and rely on praise or other forms of positive reinforcement.
Remember: Hire a trainer who works with dogs, not "online gurus" or "Instagram Trainers" who never work with dogs.
TRAINING IS CARING