Positive dog training centers around reinforcing a dog’s good behavior by providing rewards. While treats are commonly employed for this purpose, what can be done for dogs that lack motivation for food?
This is where dog toys play a role. For dogs that aren’t motivated by food, dog toys can often serve as a source of motivation. However, using dog toys as rewards involves a slightly different approach. It’s not as straightforward as offering a treat and proceeding with your training session. While dog toys can be effective in dog training, there are some fundamental principles to grasp before incorporating them into your training regimen.
Choose the Right Dog Toys
Chances are, you already have a sizable collection of dog toys at your disposal. Nevertheless, not all of these dog toys will equally motivate your dog. To effectively use a toy as a reward, it should be one that your dog responds to enthusiastically and derives enjoyment from.
Thankfully, it’s a straightforward process to determine this. All you have to do is engage in playtime with your dog! Experiment with an assortment of dog toys, including balls, plush toys, tug toys, and squeaky toys, to identify which one or ones your dog finds the most enjoyable.
To learn more about how to choose the right dog toys, please go to out blog: How to Choose the Perfect Dog Toys for Your Furry Companion
Put High-Value Toys Aside
Frequently, we refer to “high-value treats.” These are treats that dogs don’t typically receive, making them even more special when they do.
Dog toys follow the same principle. If your dog has a favorite toy that they interact with frequently throughout the day, using that toy as a reward in dog training may not make it feel particularly special.
Instead, once you’ve determined your dog’s preferred toy types, reserve some specifically for training purposes. Rotate the toys you use in different training sessions, so your dog remains uncertain about which one they’ll receive. This approach keeps training sessions more engaging for your dog, providing them with the motivation necessary for success.
Practice the “Drop it” Command
If your dog hasn’t mastered the “drop it” command, using toys as a reward may not be effective. When you offer them a toy, they may likely run off to play with it, resisting returning it to you, which can disrupt your training session.
The good news is that teaching the “drop it” command is quite straightforward. Once your dog grasps this command, you’ll be able to hand them a toy for a brief period before requesting it back to resume your training.
5 Second Sessions as a Reward
As previously mentioned, a toy should serve as a reward for only 4-5 seconds. Extending the playtime beyond this duration may cause your dog to lose focus on the training task at hand.
However, merely giving your dog a toy and expecting them to entertain themselves won’t suffice. You must actively participate in the play session. After all, the goal is for your dog to perceive you as being just as engaging as their toy!
This could entail a brief game of fetch, where you toss a ball a short distance, and once your dog retrieves it, you resume training. Alternatively, engage in a short game of tug-of-war, then prompt your dog to “drop it,” offer praise, and proceed with the training session.
Mark the Behavior Before Offering the Toy
It’s crucial for your dog to recognize that the toy you’re providing is a reward for their good behavior. If they fail to make this connection, the toy won’t serve as a motivator. Instead, they may become frustrated, unsure why you’re not engaging in play with them.
The most effective approach to establish this connection is to acknowledge the positive behavior before providing the toy reward. If you employ clicker training, a simple click is sufficient for this purpose. Alternatively, you can use your voice. Offering a cheerful “yes” each time your dog exhibits the correct behavior, followed by the presentation of a toy, will help them grasp the reason for their reward. Consequently, they’ll be more inclined to repeat that behavior.
Other Rewards with No Food
What if your dog lacks motivation for both food and toys? In such cases, discovering a suitable dog training reward can be more challenging, but there are still alternative rewards you can explore.
Begin with praise, especially effective for dogs eager to please. Offering your dog a hearty head or belly scratch can also serve as an appropriate reward for those who relish attention.
Playing games provides another alternative. It doesn’t necessarily require dog toys. A brief game of chase or hide-and-seek can be equally effective.
Lastly, if you’re in the process of leash training your dog, allowing them to pause, sniff around, and explore can often be a reward in its own right. Nevertheless, it’s important to mark the behavior first, ensuring that your dog comprehends that the subsequent sniffing time is a reward for their positive actions.
Conclusion
Selecting the appropriate dog training reward holds significant importance as it can significantly impact the success of your training sessions. While food treats are the simplest choice, don’t fret if your dog lacks food motivation. As demonstrated, there are numerous alternative options you can explore!
