When you think of a reward, in regards to training a dog, what is the first thing that pops into your head?

Food?

Maybe a tennis ball?

A game of tug?

Maybe your mind went where I'm already going with this and you thought of something more complicated.

The fact remains, that reward reinforces a behavior. It increases the likelihood of seeing a behavior happen again, and again, and again.

So why does your dog only listen sometimes, even though they've gotten treats, pets, and toys what seems like a thousand times for doing the "right" thing?

Your dog is the dog who will listen like a dream... if you have a treat in your hand.

But how do you help them behave reliably without having to carry a cookie in your pocket for the rest of your life?

That answer partially lies in how exactly you are taking advantage of reward opportunities.

1.When your dog is jumping up, whining, maybe even barking because you've just got home from work.

2. When your dog is pulling on the leash to go sniff the tree in your neighbors yard.

3. When your dog is attacking the vacuum.

What does your dog want *in the moment* of each of these?

1. Your dog wants your attention. They want to be close to you. YOU are the reward.

2. Your dog wants to examine and study that tree. The sniffing is the reward.

3. Your dog likely wants the vacuum to stop moving, to stop making that awfully scary sound. The reward is exactly that. The vacuum once again becoming motionless and "dead".

Rewards increase the likelihood of a behavior being repeated, good or bad.

Use the smelly grass spot at the park as a reward, use your attention, movement, and eye contact. Use your guests as a reward.

Having the leash put on, being let out of the kennel, being let out the doorway, into or out of the car, being allowed to approach and sniff something, their daily meals, something scary going away.

Rewards are endless. The most powerful one is the one your dog wants in a single moment.

Be conscious of the behavior and energy your dog is giving off when receiving a reward. Those behaviors and that energy is what will be reinforced in the future. #rewardwhatmatters