In this post, I'd like to talk about reward events and how most owners and trainers are missing out when they use simple or even high value rewards.
A reward event is not just about giving a treat; it's about creating an engaging, interactive, and highly motivating moment between the dog and the handler. It turns the reward into an experience that's fun and stimulating, making the reward more significant and memorable for the dog.
Components:
Movement: Often involves the handler moving in an animated way, which can increase the dog's excitement and engagement.
Interaction: The handler might engage in play-like actions, like running, jumping, or making sudden movements with the reward.
Multiple Rewards: Instead of just giving one treat, a reward event might include giving several treats in quick succession or using a combination of food and play (like tug-of-war).
Excitement and Energy: The handler’s enthusiasm and energy are crucial, making the reward delivery an exciting game rather than a mundane transaction.
Purpose: The main goal is to heighten the dog's drive, focus, and motivation. By making the reward delivery an event, the dog associates the behavior being trained with not just a reward but a positive experience, enhancing learning and retention.
Most trainers will fixate on high value rewards, or jackpots, but this is not that. A high-value treat is simply a type of food that the dog finds particularly appealing compared to everyday food or treats. This could be something like liver, cheese, or freeze-dried meats.
Use: It's used to motivate or reward the dog based on the treat's intrinsic value to the dog. The delivery of a high-value treat often involves just handing it to the dog or allowing them to take it from your hand.
Key Differences:
Interaction: A high-value treat might motivate a dog, but it doesn't inherently include the interaction or excitement of a reward event. The delivery of a high-value treat is straightforward, whereas a reward event is a performance in itself.
Engagement Level: With a reward event, the focus is on increasing engagement and making the training session more dynamic. A high-value treat, while effective, primarily relies on the treat's taste or smell to motivate the dog without necessarily engaging them in an interactive game or activity.
Longevity of Motivation: The excitement and interaction of a reward event can lead to more sustained motivation over time as the dog learns to enjoy the entire process, not just the treat itself. High-value treats might get the dog's attention, but they don’t necessarily make the training experience as memorable or enjoyable.
During training, both high value treats and reward events play an important role.
High-Value Treat: Used when you need a quick, effective motivator, particularly in situations where immediate reward reinforcement is necessary, like in competitive obedience or when teaching new behaviors.
Reward Event: Ideal for building a stronger bond, increasing the dog's enjoyment of training, and maintaining motivation throughout longer sessions or when transitioning from high to lower-value rewards.
Integrating reward events is about enriching the training experience, making it more about the relationship and interaction between dog and handler rather than just the reward itself. This method leads to better focus, enthusiasm, and much improved learning outcomes in dogs.
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