What is reward based training?

Reward-based training is a type of dog training that uses positive reinforcement to teach dogs new behaviours. Positive reinforcement means rewarding a dog for doing something you want them to do, which increases the likelihood that they will do it again in the future. This type of training is based on the idea that dogs are more likely to learn and behave in a way that is desirable to their owners when they are rewarded for doing so.

There are many different types of rewards that can be used in reward-based training, including treats like our soft crumble bites, praise, toys, and affection. The type of reward that you use will depend on your dog's individual preferences. It is important to choose rewards that are high-value to your dog, so that they are motivated to work for them.

Reward-based training is a very effective way to teach dogs new behaviours. It is also a very humane and ethical way to train dogs, as it does not involve any pain or punishment. If you are looking for a way to train your dog that is both effective and humane, then reward-based training is a great option.

The Benefits.

The benefits of reward based training, also known as positive reinforcement, is that it helps your puppy to feel relaxed and unafraid. It is the best way to encourage your dog to behave as you would like. It helps build a strong bond with your dog and contributes to preventing boredom and problem behaviours as it provides mental stimulation. 

It is also a simple training method for the whole family. Reward based training can also help build confidence and encourages dogs to think for themselves.

How to start reward based training?

Start by finding a reward that your dog really likes. Every dog is different and will prefer different rewards. This can vary from tasty treats, being groomed, playing with toys and even our extra attention!

Rewarding your dog with food.

Dogs especially love soft and smelly foods such as cheese! You can use this as a reward when your dog does something more challenging or gets something correct. You can then use more regular treats such as Soft Crumble Barkable Bites to reward standard behaviour that your dog already knows. 

Remember, if you are using treats frequently as reward you may need to cut down their meal size to prevent weight gain.

Rewarding your dog with attention.

Giving your dog attention can vary from eye contact, giving them belly rubs, praising them and so on! If your doggy loves to lean on you or wants to be petted, then attention is a great way to reward them for good behaviour. 

It is important to make sure you give your dog attention when they make good choices to help teach them.

Rewarding your dog with toys.

Most dogs really love to play, you can use simple games with toys such as fetch or tug to reward them for good behaviour. Have a few toys that are just for training, this helps to keep them new and exciting for your dug and associate them with reward based training. 

Reward in short bursts of play, such as a few seconds of tug or 1 toss of the ball, then the toy can go behind your back while you ask your dog for the behaviour again.

What to do if your dog isn't behaving correctly?

Sometimes our dogs perform a behaviour that we do not want them to repeat but it is not possible to ignore it. In this situation, you can try to distract them with another behaviour e.g. asking them to sit or taking a break from training. Avoid punishment. Punishment can make your dog fearful and less likely to learn. You can also think about whether your dog may be getting a reward unintentionally for their behaviour. 

For example if your dog is jumping up at a visitor and you tell them 'no! get down!' while holding eye contact, then they may mistake being looked at and interacted with as a reward.

Here are some tips for using reward-based training to teach your dog new behaviors:

• Start with simple behaviours. When you are first starting out, it is best to start with simple behaviors that your dog is already familiar with. This will help them learn the basic principles of reward-based training.
• Break down complex behaviours into smaller steps. If you are trying to teach your dog a complex behavior, it is helpful to break it down into smaller steps. This will make the behaviour easier for your dog to learn and it will also make it easier for you to reward them for each step they complete.
• Use a variety of rewards. Keep your dog motivated by using a variety of rewards. This will help keep training fun and interesting for both you and your dog.
• Be patient. It takes time and patience to train a dog. Don't get discouraged if your dog doesn't get it right away. Just keep practicing and they will eventually learn.