In any kind of positive pet training, the most important knowledge for the trainer to have is what the dog, cat, parrot or other pet considers a reward for a job well done. Rewards aren't always an easy thing for positive trainers to comprehend. If I had a dollar for every time someone has told me that they can't teach their dog (or other pet) anything because the pet isn't motivated by food, I would be very rich. And if I was abundantly wealthy, I'd spend some extra money on sending those people to a workshop about alternative positive reinforcement training rewards. It just so happens that I have very rewarding training sessions with all of my pets, despite the diversity in what they consider a reward.
A lot of dogs are motivated by toys. The same focus that a dog has waiting for a ball to be thrown or the joy they have when squeezing a squeaker can be harnessed for positive reinforcement training. Good advice I was once given at a motivation in training seminar is that the dog must pick the toy that is used for a training reward. But once the dog has chosen this favorite of rewards, the toy should then only be used for training. Each of my dogs has a special training toy that only comes out during training sessions. Not only does each dog get to learn and enjoy special time with me, but they get precious playtime with a favorite toy. Another observation made by a trainer at a positive reinforcement training seminar I attended (about Huxley) was that movement itself was a reward (to him.) Sometimes the kind of toy that is a training reward or even what game is played doesn't matter. Any kind of fun as a reward for the work keeps training from being dull. |
Not all pets are motivated by food, toys or play rewards. My first experience with a praise motivation in positive reinforcement training was with Tynan. When we first started training, Tynan was very enthusiastic. But as a novice he became bored and disinterested. Was he really done with learning? When I ditched the treats and toys and focused on praise, attention and petting, Tynan's passion for training returned. He was so proud to work for a mouthful of "good boy"s and a belly rub. Leo may have learned this train for praise lesson from Tynan, but he also works for cheers. In fact, Leo is known for rewarding himself with a "good birdie" before I even get the chance to say it. Another fan of praise rewards in our household is Brychwyn. He'll often scoff at a treat and roll over in favor of numerous "what a good dog" exclamations accompanied by a tummy tickle. |