Different Rewards to Use to Reinforce Good Behavior
Not all rewards come in the form of treats—some dogs thrive on a good hug for a job well done!
When it comes to dog training, one of the most effective methods for reinforcing good behavior is positive reinforcement. By using rewards, we can encourage our dogs to repeat desirable behaviors. However, it's important to understand that rewards can come in many forms. These include treats, toys, praise, or even playtime—all of which can be highly effective in reinforcing good behavior.
“Positive reinforcement is about teaching dogs that good behavior is always rewarded,” says Denise Bozenski, founder of Fetch This Canine. “Whether it’s a treat, a toy, or a kind word, the key is making the reward something that motivates your dog to keep repeating the behavior.”
Learn more about Denise HERE!
The Importance of Positive Reinforcement in Balanced Training
Positive reinforcement plays a key role in balanced training, which combines both rewards and corrections to guide a dog toward desired behaviors. While corrections are part of the process, they should never overshadow the power of reinforcing good behavior. A good balance between the two can lead to lasting, consistent results.
“When we balance both sides of training—rewarding and correcting—we set dogs up for success,” explains Denise. “Positive reinforcement makes learning more enjoyable and creates a trusting relationship between owner and dog. It’s about giving them the tools to make the right choices, not just punishing the wrong ones.”
Learn more on how balanced training can help your dog at our blog, Balanced Dog Training: What It Is, Why It Works & How It Aligns with Holistic Training.
5 Reward Types to Reinforce Good Behavior
Here are five types of rewards that can help reinforce good behavior and maintain a positive training experience:
Food Treats
Food is often the most common and effective reward, especially for puppies and dogs who are highly food-motivated. Small, tasty treats are perfect for reinforcing good behavior in real time.
Toys
For dogs who love to play, toys can be a fantastic reward. Playtime not only provides a positive reinforcement but also strengthens the bond between you and your dog. Fetch or tug-of-war can turn a training session into a fun experience.
Praise and Affection
Verbal praise and physical affection (like petting or a belly rub) can be a great way to reward your dog. Some dogs thrive on attention and will repeat behaviors simply for a good scratch or kind word.
Interactive Play
If your dog enjoys games like tug or fetch, using these activities as rewards can offer both mental and physical stimulation. This also reinforces the behavior by providing the dog with a reward that’s both fun and satisfying.
Freedom and Access to a Desired Activity
Sometimes, the best reward is access to something your dog loves, such as a walk, meeting other dogs, or running in the yard. Providing these rewards can make training feel less like a task and more like an exciting opportunity.
“Every dog is unique,” says Denise. “Some dogs work for food, others for toys, and some just want your attention. It’s important to find what motivates your dog and use that to their advantage. If your dog isn’t interested in treats, then a toy or playtime might be a better reward for them.”
Learn about place, one of the basic obedience commands that can get a lot of rewards here, The Power of Place Training: Why Every Dog Needs It.
How Positive Reinforcement Enhances Dog Training
Positive reinforcement strengthens the behavior we want to see. It’s a natural way to teach dogs and is effective for both young puppies and older dogs alike. The key is consistency—rewards should always be given immediately after the desired behavior to make the connection clear.
When used in balance with other training tools, positive reinforcement creates a well-rounded training approach. It ensures that your dog feels motivated and supported, helping them learn faster and more effectively.
Looking to reinforce positive behavior in your dog with the right rewards? Fetch This Canine offers personalized training plans designed to fit your dog’s unique needs. Contact us today to start your journey toward a well-behaved and happy dog! Get started HERE!
FAQs
How do I know which type of reward works best for my dog?
Experiment with different rewards to see which ones get the best response. If your dog seems especially excited about a particular treat or toy, that’s a good sign that it’s a great reward. Keep in mind that not every dog will respond the same way—some may be motivated by food, while others may prefer toys or praise.
Can I use positive reinforcement to stop bad behaviors?
While positive reinforcement is a valuable tool in training, it’s not always the solution for correcting unwanted behaviors. In balanced training, a combination of reinforcement for good behavior and corrections for undesirable actions is used. This approach helps your dog learn boundaries and expectations, while still encouraging the desired behavior.
Is positive reinforcement enough for training?
Positive reinforcement is powerful on its own, but balanced training often uses both rewards and corrections. For example, a dog might be rewarded for staying calm around a trigger but also receive a correction if they start to react aggressively.
