[Day 36] Reward analysis: How to reward your dog correctly during recall
Basic obedience: Day 36 of 56
This video and training is part of the Grunge Obedience Concept, a structured programme to promote obedience and the bond between humans and dogs. The concept is carefully didactic and methodical to ensure that each exercise builds on the previous one for maximum effectiveness. It is crucial that you carry out the training in the intended order to achieve the best possible results for your dog.
The recall is one of the most challenging commands in dog training. If your dog doesn't respond immediately, he often prefers to do things that are much more exciting for him than coming back to you. This is exactly why the right reward is so important. If you want your dog to reliably listen to your recall, you need to reward him appropriately and according to his needs. In this blog, we explain how to find out what really counts as a reward for your dog and how to use it effectively in training.
Aim: To motivate the dog to recall reliably through targeted, needs-orientated rewards so that it learns that following the recall is more rewarding than pursuing its own hobbies.
Equipment: Various treats (normal, high-quality and jackpot rewards), dog toys (e.g. balls or dummies), clicker or marker signal (optional), Long Leash (if required for training in the free run)
Location: Low-stimulus indoor environment, later outdoors
Duration: As required
Why the right reward is crucial
Rewards are the key to successful dog training, especially when it comes to recall. Your dog will only follow you reliably if it is offered a rewarding alternative to its current activity. It is often not enough to simply use any treat - the reward must be attractive and needs-orientated.
What is needs-orientated reward?
Just like us humans, dogs have hobbies and preferences. They like to dig, hunt, mark or play with other dogs. If you ask your dog to give up such a hobby because you are calling him to you, the reward must be just as exciting as what he is doing. This is called a need-orientated reward. A dog that is motivated by hunting often responds better to a dummy or a game of tug than to a normal treat.
Functional reinforcers: rewards that really count
Functional reinforcers are rewards that reflect your dog's need in the respective situation. For example: If your dog likes to chase, you can reward him with a throwing toy that fulfils his need for movement. The trick is to choose a reward that serves as a substitute for the unwanted behaviour. These reinforcers help to increase your dog's motivation and make him realise that it's worth listening to your recall.
ℹ Info
The aim of a reward is to make a behaviour, in this case the recall, even more likely to occur in the future.
What counts as a reward for your dog?
What is a good reward for us humans is not necessarily a good reward for your dog. It is important to find out what actually counts as a reward for your dog. Observe him closely: What types of food does he particularly like? Which toys make him jump for joy? The best way to find out is the so-called "This or That?" game. You offer your dog two different rewards and let him decide. Over time, you will realise which food or toy he enjoys the most.
Jackpot rewards: Something special for special moments
Sometimes it takes a particularly valuable reward to reinforce your dog's behaviour. A so-called jackpot reward is a rare and particularly sought-after reward that you use sparingly. For your dog, this could be a particularly tasty food such as dried fish or an intense game of tug. You use a reward like this when your dog shows a successful recall in a particularly difficult situation.
An effective strategy is to create a ranking list of the best rewards, with the jackpot reward at the top. You only use this reward in exceptional situations so that it retains its special value and your dog always remains motivated.
ℹ Info
If you require your dog to perform a reliable recall, then you must also be prepared to always reward your dog for doing so, without exception. Your dog puts your will before his and therefore, in a fair and cooperative relationship, positive feedback (reward) from you is mandatory.
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Summary
A successful recall stands and falls with the right reward. Needs-orientated rewards and functional reinforcers help you to design the training so that your dog is happy to come back to you. The reward must be designed in such a way that it is an attractive alternative to your dog's hobbies. Remember: co-operative interaction means that you not only demand something from your dog, but that you are also happy to give it something.
This video and training is part of the Grunge Obedience Concept, a structured programme to promote obedience and the bond between humans and dogs. The concept is carefully didactic and methodical to ensure that each exercise builds on the previous one for maximum effectiveness. It is crucial that you carry out the training in the intended order to achieve the best possible results for your dog.
The authors: Paulina & Lui
Paulina and Lui are the heart and soul behind Vitomalia [Dogstraining & Store]. Her journey in dog training began with the adoption of her first list dog, Vito. This experience sparked her deep interest in teaching other dog owners about dog behaviour and training. Initially this was just a hobby, but her passion developed into a true vocation when she adopted Amalia, an American Pitbull dog who had been relinquished several times due to severe behavioural problems. Amalia's particular behavioural challenges intensified her interest in dog training and behavioural therapy. This turning point led Paulina and Lui to leave their original career paths, undergo intensive further training and dedicate themselves fully to the subject of dog training. Their work with human-dog teams also revealed a gap in the dog market: there was a lack of safe, high-quality dog accessories specifically for medium-sized and large breeds.
From this realisation, Vitomalia [Dogstraining & Store] was born, a combination of their commitment to professional dog training and the need for quality dog accessories. Paulina and Lui bring their personal experience, extensive knowledge and passion for dogs to every product to help human-dog teams live together.