Understanding What Truly Motivates Your Dog
All too often, I see well-meaning dog owners trying to do the right thing by rewarding their dogs for displaying desired behaviors. However, the execution sometimes misses the mark. One common mistake is offering a treat when the dog isn't motivated by food in that moment. You may find yourself literally shoving a treat into your dog’s mouth while they’re distracted, excited, or simply uninterested. If you’re having to force the food, it’s a clear sign that it’s not the reward your dog truly wants or needs right then.
Take, for example, a common scenario at the dog park. A dog is enthusiastically pulling their owner toward the gate, desperate to get inside. The human, in an attempt to encourage polite behavior, offers a treat. But the dog ignores it, eyes locked on the action beyond the fence. In that moment, food is irrelevant. The real reward - the ultimate reward - is access to the park. So instead of insisting on a treat, use what the dog truly wants: forward movement. Mark the good behavior, like a moment of a loose leash or a calm pause, and reward it by moving closer to the entrance. This kind of reward is far more meaningful to the dog and reinforces the behavior you want to see.
Another example is the fetch-obsessed dog. Let’s say you're working on getting a calm sit before tossing the ball. If your dog is fixated on the game, they may have zero interest in kibble or even high-value treats. So why fight that? Instead, leverage the ball itself. If the dog sits calmly, mark the behavior and throw the ball. That becomes the reward. You're not just reinforcing obedience, you're speaking your dog’s language by offering what they want most in that specific context.
Ultimately, effective training is about observation and flexibility. Ask yourself, “What does my dog want right now?” If you can identify that and use it strategically, you’ll find your training becomes more intuitive, more rewarding, and far more successful - for both of you.
Not sure what motivates your dog or how to use it effectively in training? Let’s figure it out together. Book a free, 60-minute consultation and get personalized guidance to help your dog become more calm, responsive, and easier to live with. Book your consultation here >>