Dog reward training is often seen as the most modern method of training a dog. But reward training is probably much older than other methods of dog training.
Let’s dive right in.
A look at Dog Reward Training
It is possible that reward training has been around as long as there have been dogs to train.
Early humans probably used some informal kind of reward training when taming the wolf pups that eventually evolved into modern dogs.
Principles of Dog Reward Training
Many principles of modern reward training date back many decades.
However what is called dog reward training today has only enjoyed a remarkable popularity for the past 10 or 15 years.
Many reward training enthusiasts are less enthusiastic about other methods of dog training. Such as the traditional leash and collar method.
Best Approach
However the best approach to training any individual dog is often a combination of leash/collar training and reward training.
In addition a training method that works perfectly for one dog may be totally inappropriate for another and vice versa.
Some dogs respond wonderfully to dog reward training and not at all to leash and collar training.
While others respond to leash/collar training and are not at all motivated by reward training.
Most dogs fall somewhere in the middle of these two extremes.
Clicker Training
Clicker training is one of the most popular forms of dog training these days.
While clicker training is not the answer for every dog it can be a remarkably effective method of training most dogs.
In clicker training the dog is taught to associate a clicking sound with a reward, like a treat.
The trainer clicks the clicker when the dog does something good followed immediately by a treat. Eventually the dog learns to respond to the clicker alone.
Food
Most dog reward training uses some sort of food reward or a reward that is associated with getting food.
In most cases complex behaviors can only be taught using this kind of positive reinforcement.
You will find that the people who train dogs for movies and television use reward training almost exclusively.
Dog reward training is used in all forms of dog training including police work and military applications.
Most scent detection, tracking and police dogs are trained using some form of reward training.
Reward training is also a very effective way to teach many basic obedience commands.
Lure
Reward training often incorporates the use of a lure in order to get the dog into the position desired by the trainer.
The lure is used to get the dog to perform the desired behavior on their own and of their own free will.
It makes a great deal of sense to get the dog to perform the desired behavior without any physical intervention on the part of the handler.
In dog reward training, getting the dog to perform a behavior without being touched is important.
Positive Reinforcement
After the dog has performed the desired behavior it is given a reward. Also called a positive reinforcement.
Treats are often used as reinforcers. But praise, such as “good dog” or a pat on the head, can also be effective rewards.
Making a dog that has been reward trained a reliable dog is important. Especially when the dog has an important job, like police work or drug detection, to do.
Distractions when Dog Reward Training
For that reason it is important to get the dog accustomed to working around distractions. And to properly socialize the animal to both people and other animals.
While doing dog reward training, many dog trainers make the mistake of only training the dog inside the house or back yard and only when the handler is there.
In order to become a reliably trained companion the dog must be taken outside the confines of its safety zone. Then introduced to novel situations.
Attention
It is also important to teach the dog to pay attention to the handler at all times. Having the attention of the dog means having control of the dog.
Dog reward training is very effective at getting the respect and the attention of the dog when used properly.
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