What counts as a reward?
A reward is something the individual animal values in that moment. In training, a reward functions as positive reinforcement when providing it after a behaviour helps increase or maintain that behaviour. “Positive” means that something is added, such as food, play, or access to a valued activity. Offering something we think they should like does not guarantee that it works.
- Food, play, and favourite toys.
- Attention, affection, or interaction with a familiar individual when sought.
- Sniffing, going outside, or access to a preferred location.
- An opportunity to perform a valued activity or explore an environment.
Observe what your animal chooses and what happens to the behaviour over time. Affection can be welcome in one situation and unwanted in another.
Value depends on the situation
Reward value varies between individuals and contexts. A food that works well at home may be insufficient outdoors. Play may be appealing before a rest and less appealing afterwards. Preferences can also change with experience.
Refusing food can reflect stress, fear, over-arousal, satiation, distraction, or lack of interest in that food. It is not proof of stubbornness. Consider the setting and emotional state, lower the challenge, or pause. A change in appetite outside the activity needs veterinary attention.
The Premack principle
An activity the animal strongly wants to perform can reinforce another behaviour. In simple terms: first this, then that.
- Walk calmly for a few steps, then stop to sniff.
- Sit at the door, then go outside safely.
- Touch a target, then play with a favourite toy.
Use a small, achievable behaviour and follow it promptly with the desired activity. Reinforcement does not have to involve food. Do not make access to essential needs or escape from discomfort conditional on performing a task.
Put rewards to work
Choose one easy behaviour and a reward your animal currently wants. Deliver the reward promptly after the behaviour. Keep the first attempts simple enough to succeed, then watch whether your animal remains interested and repeats the behaviour.
If engagement fades, shorten the session, change the reward, reduce distractions, or stop. More exciting rewards cannot make an unsuitable or frightening activity appropriate.