Prerequisite – clicker basics, strategic treat placement
Goal – to make the most out of every treat or reward or reinforcer, create a reward event
Description – Giving your dog a food reward or other reinforcer can and should be made to be an incredible event.
When your dog comes when he is called, you could just hand him a treat and calmly say good boy. OR you could make a big huge deal by adding many treats while squeaking with enthusiasm while running for the nearest tug toy and creating a huge party for your dog.
Remember that the reinforcer is not just a treat or toy but a little piece of communication that you share with your dog. If you are absolutely delighted that he came when he was called, let him know with your extremely happy body language and your generous delivery of treats and your two-minute game of tug.
Enthusiasm and a reward event can be delivered in many different ways, and you want to temper and be creative with those ways based on the behavior that you are teaching. For example while you are teaching STAY, if you squeak and run around and sing, then your dog will most likely get up and join you for the excitement and the party. Rather, if you give many soft “good boy” while you slowly deliver one treat at a time either between his front paws or close to his back paws (review strategic treat placement) he will maintain the STAY position and enjoy your attention while also enjoying some nice treats.
When you think of the word “treat” – think “Reward Event”
When you think of the word “reward” – think “Reward Event”
