Dogs are motivated by more than just food! Rewards can include praise, freedom, play, and affection. By using these different types of rewards during training, you can boost your dog’s engagement and motivation. This approach is called variable reinforcement. Mixing up rewards creates excitement and anticipation, making your dog work harder and stay focused. Withholding something they want can make them crave it even more, increasing their drive to work for it and building a more engaged dog.
Pairing rewards with light corrections can actually amplify the positive impact. When dogs don’t always get a reward, it builds a sense of purpose, much like a small conquest. This drives them to keep trying, which leads to better long-term results! Keep training fun and rewarding by using a variety of positive reinforcement techniques.
