Treats, Toys & Tactile Rewards - Your Dog Needs Them!
Written by Joel Silverman   
Sunday, 30 November 2008
Dogs love to be appreciated! Just like us, when a job is performed well, we enjoy the approval and rewards of our peers or employers. But every dog is different in personality and this means that every dog needs a different type of reinforcement. Special tasty treats, playing in the backyard or a brisk walk are types of rewards that your little pal needs and really appreciates.
by JoelSilverman


Dogs love to be appreciated! Just like us, when a job is performed well, we enjoy the approval and rewards of our peers or employers. But every dog is different in personality and this means that every dog needs a different type of reinforcement. Special tasty treats, playing in the backyard or a brisk walk are types of rewards that your little pal needs and really appreciates.

Every dog has his own preference in rewards. If you happen to own a little guy that is shy and bashful, he probably will prefer a natural treat -- something soft like a bit of real meat or cheese. High-strung dogs might do better with a dry biscuit. All dogs seem to really appreciate Bil-Jac Soft & Chewy Liver Treats. These are already small enough to be used as treats for training and dogs enjoy the taste.

One really important point about rewarding your dog is to use a great deal of variation in the choice of treat. Your dog will become much more interested in receiving treats because now he is unable to predict how he will be rewarded. Playing a game of "fetch" is a terrific treat option to show your dog your appreciation. Don't attempt to train him to play ball -- this game is about what makes him happy. If he wants to chew on the ball for a bit, let him. Toys that allow him to pull on and tear are another way to reward your pal. For a high prey-driven dog, tearing something is just natural behavior, and he absolutely loves it.

Giving treats may not be the best option for a highly strung, excitable dog, especially when you are attempting to train him. Instead, opt for a gentle body massage. This will calm him down and relax him. Petting your dog is a very reinforcing action that will help strengthen the bond of trust and love between you.

"Fading out the treat" is used only after your baby realizes that what he did was acceptable and you are pleased with his behavior. Using this method, your dog simply learns that there are a variety of different things that may happen when he does something correctly. When you fade out the treat, you simply begin by combining a tactile reward with a food reward. Gradually, reduce the ratio of food utilized in this process until he is receiving hugs and loves for his behavior.

How you reward your dog is definitely going to depend on his personality type. But all dogs like to just have fun. So, enjoy this time with him. Give him love and support and you will be rewarded with his loyalty for life.

About the Author:

Joel Silverman has trained killer whales at Sea World and hosted the television series "Good Dog U" on Animal Planet. For free dog training information and detailed dog training tips and techniques, visit the CompanionsForLife website.

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