Boost Your Dog’s Motivation: Increase Your Value!
Dogs have mental scales in their furry heads. They turn their focus towards what benefits them and make their decisions accordingly. Therefore, we need to favor them, be exciting, and varied so that the pooch doesn't tire or predict us. Should you get bored when you can chase cyclists? Wouldn't think so! We need to become a resource.
Excitement and variety boost motivation
Then take a look at scale nr 1. The dog has made a choice—scale number one contained a dry kibble, while cyclists proved incredibly entertaining. We must fill our scales with cozy moments, cuddles and closeness, play and laughter, meat and bones, treats and surprises. Essentially, we need to be magnificent and unpredictable. Scale nr 1 is ours to fill wisely so that our dog is motivated by its content. It demands engagement and creativity. We have control over our input, allowing us to actively participate. Once again, become a resource. This requires an understanding of what motivates your dog. If you have a hunting enthusiast who shows no interest in treats when you wave them around, they long for something else. Imagine how your value would soar if you pulled out a rabbit skin or a squeeky toy!
Understand what motivates your dog
Now, let's turn our attention to scale number two. It is just as important, if not more so. This scale encompasses the dog's contrasting motivational systems, which are contextual. In other words, the dog's focus, disturbance, and attraction to various stimuli vary in different environments. Other dogs, balloons, the scent of a female dog in heat, cars, leaves, trash cans, people, cats, and so on. We need to be aware of them all, to truly know our dogs. Together, we must take ownership of scale number two.
Use your dog's interests as a reward
Embrace the contents of the scale. Become curious about what fascinates your dog. Then, place it (or a substitute) in the first scale, your scale. Let the distractor work for you rather than against you. If it's the thrill of the chase that entices, tuck an furry toy on a string in your back pocket. If it's other dogs that lead to distraction, use a "go ahead and play" cue when the opportunity arises. If it's birds, acquire a bird call and a bundle of feathers. Dog training is a creative endeavor. So, get creative. You can find more information on this in our article on dog rewards and training motivation.
Check what is happening
Control the possibility for your dog to do as he/she pleases. You may possess an exceptional first scale, a reward system brimming with half a hare inside your jacket and squeaky toys worth a fortune. However, if you release an untrained dog into environments teeming with temptations without control, you risk it all. There's a high likelihood that they will run off. So use a long rope.
Versatile training in different environments
Training in different environments on a leash, introducing distractions you can predict and control. Repeat! Dog training is not the realm of the lazy. A harmonious and reliable team work that allows for an off-leash dog requires effort. So practice in a range of enviroments and among a variety of distractions. It will be worth it! It's more pleasant to stroll through the woods with a loose dog than entangled in a long rope.
The importance of training and repetition
Training progress depends on multiple factors. It's not just about becoming more entertaining. We also need to train, practice, and repeat until we can do no more. Our dogs need to practice the skills we expect them to master. And we must make it impossible for them to do otherwise, run off or not react to our cues. Freedom will follow once the harmonious interaction is established. If you want to learn about dog language and communication, which is crucial in training, read our article on dog language - learn to interpret and speak dog language.
Written by: Caroline Alupo
Caroline Alupo is Petli's co-founder. She has a master's degree in ethology and is also a trained dog trainer and dog psychologist. She has 19 years of experience as a professional dog trainer. Read more about Caroline here.
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