Dear Jeni: Sometimes when I am training my dog, he doesn't always do what I am asking him to do. What am I doing wrong?
What motivates you to get out of bed every day and go to work? Hopefully you like your job, and your co-workers, but the answer is simple: money. For humans, cold hard cash is our motivational currency. It’s what we use to pay for the necessities and luxuries of life. But what about your dog? How do you establish a currency with your new puppy or dog to let them know you’re the boss? Using dog treats as currency is a great way to connect with your dog and train them to do a job before they get a reward.
The first mistake we all make is giving treats away for free. I know your dog looks very cute, and in your mind your dog may deserve a treat, but never give it away for free. When you use dog treats as currency, you must acknowledge and reward good behavior and not reward bad behavior. Soon your dog will learn that they only get paid when they do the work, and positive behaviors will emerge. When you begin to train, start in a quiet space with few distractions and you will need less currency. As you progress, move to increasingly busier areas such as the park, and bring more currency to ensure you get the same results. Positive reinforcement training should always include a verbal reward as well; “Good job!” “Good sit!” “Good stay!” Say it in a happy voice and say it at the same time that your dog cashes in on their treat.
The types of treats you select as currency are important to your success as well. Training treats need to be perceived as high value in order to hold your dog’s attention. I recommend working with soft smelly treats that are healthy and come in bite sized portions. Avoid hard cookie type treats as they will slow you down and interrupt your flow. The two tiers of training treats that I use are basic training treats for everyday use, and jackpot treats such as bits of cheese, chicken or beef for more demanding environments. The amount of currency you spend will usually depend on the level of distractions your dog is facing.
Once your dog is working for you and is happy with their wages it’s time to cut back. This is called Proofing. Begin to reduce the amount of currency and how often it is given for the same amount of work, but always give the verbal reward. Over time your dog will learn to work for positive attention and will only require payment when they begin to stray and need a reminder. By using treats as currency your dog will pay attention to your cues, work to please you, and expect less in return for their good behavior.