Royal Library

Movement is Motivating

• Create Interest: Add movement to make things more interesting. Moving away from your dog while giving treats can reinforce them coming to you. Dogs find movement engaging and are naturally drawn to follow it.

Varying Duration of the Reward

• Mini-Events: Think of rewards as mini-events. Sometimes give one treat, other times give six in a row, or have them chase you while rewarding. Varying the duration keeps your dog attentive and avoids the “Post Reinforcement Pause,” where dogs tune out after receiving a predictable reward.

Move Away from the Dog

• Be Unpredictable: Instead of chasing your dog when they ignore you, move away from them. This encourages your dog to check back in and chase you. When they do, reward them for coming to you. Moving away helps pull them towards you, while moving toward them can push them away.

Contrast Before and After the Reward Event

• Make it Dynamic: Create contrast in your movements to keep your dog engaged. Start still, then explode into movement when you reward. Varying your actions before and after the reward event makes each session more exciting and motivating for your dog.

Quality of the Reward

• High-Value Treats: Use high-value treats like steak or chicken to increase your dog’s engagement. The quality and intensity of the reward matter. Sometimes, throwing the treat for your dog to chase can be more rewarding than just handing it over.

By incorporating these principles, you'll keep your training dynamic, engaging, and fun for both you and your dog! 🐾 Ready to boost your training sessions? 😊