Life Rewards - Other Ways to Reward Your Dog Besides Treats
In positive reinforcement training, we use a lot of rewards to clearly tell our dog that we like what they did and we want to see more of it! Most times when I am training a new behavior, I will use treats because they are easy to distribute and can be rapidly given- but do you always have to give treats to your dog for good behavior?
No! Once a dog learns the behavior we want, you can move over to Life Rewards! These are rewards that dogs love beyond treats that can be used in your everyday life. Remember though that some rewards will be more valuable for one dog than another- try out a variety and see what your dog loves best!
Praise and affection:
Some dogs find affection to be one of the most valuable rewards and will do anything for attention! This can be a great reward for those types of dogs. Other dogs are indifferent and praise will not be as desirable for them. See how your dog responds to cheerful praise when they do something you like!
Playtime:
Most dogs love to play- and there are plenty of ways to use this as a reward for your dog. Play hide and seek to reward your dog staying and coming when called, play tug with a rope toy after they do a behavior you like, or throw their favorite ball. Keep playtime valuable by ending playtime before they get bored.
Walks and Car Rides:
Going for a walk or car rides for dogs that enjoy them can be a great reward! For instance, rewarding your dog with a walk when they sit calmly for you to clip on their leash can be a great way to reward calm behavior with something enjoyable.
Socializing:
Social dogs can find playing and meeting new dogs or people very rewarding. My favorite way to do this is to ask guests to wait until the dog is sitting before petting them. This way the dog learns that sitting calmly (instead of jumping) allows them to socialize with people. I also love rewarding my dogs with continued play with other dogs as long as they are checking back in with me every now and then.
Access:
Giving our dog access to things they want encompasses the other points I mentioned, but here are some other ways to use access as a reward. Cuddles, off leash time, swimming in the water on the beach, sniffing new things, chasing you, grooming, new chew toy.
Remember that every dog is different, and what works as a reward for one dog may not work for another. Pay attention to your dog's preferences and behaviors to determine the best way to reward them. Using life rewards means that you do not have to rely on treats all the time (though they still serve as an excellent reward too!).
What are your dog’s favorite non-food rewards?
