What’s in Your Tool Box?

(this article has been modified from its original version which can be found on the Banbury-Bedrock website)

By Mary Remer, CPDT and Liz Maslow, CPDT

Develop a toolbox of rewards that suits your individual dog and can be used to reinforce desirable behaviors. Some possible rewards include treats, toys, verbal praise, belly-rubs and cuddling. Games and activities, such as retrieving, hunting, walks, car rides, swims and hide-and-seek also make great reward tools for your box. Additionally, the simple joy of one more swim or one more retrieve can also be a reward. Life Rewards are things Spot may take for granted like his meals, being allowed to go outside to play, coming inside from the yard, putting on a leash to go for a walk, being let out of the car, being let out of his crate or just about any other thing that Spot needs/wants in his day to day of life. When you are using Life Rewards to reinforce desirable behaviors you wait until Spot asks for something. Going for a walk is a good example. When it is time for Spot’s walk he may be excited and jumping around. Look at Spot and ask for a behavior that he knows solidly (we want Spot to be successful) such as “SIT”. If Spot sits, say “YES” and give him a Life Reward: snap on his leash to take him for a walk. If you have a jumpy, bouncy dog, the same concept will work well at mealtime. If Spot refuses or breaks the “SIT” at the door or at mealtime, simply walk away and return in a minute to try to elicit the behavior. Spot needs to say “Please” when he is asking for something.

Use the following chart to help you fill your toolbox with things your dog finds rewarding. Keep in mind, that you know your dog best. Try to find out what things YOUR dog finds the most rewarding. Place this chart on your refrigerator and try to use all of your tools as rewards instead of getting trapped into only giving one kind of reward.