Discover what things your puppy thinks are worth pursuing and consequently, what you should choose as a reward in order to ensure that training with your puppy is fun for both of you. Learn how you can build motivation in your puppy so he is keen to work with you.
Your life together starts from the moment your puppy arrives. Before you can start working as a team, you need to take some time to get to know each other. Find out whether your puppy is calm or lively, whether he likes to play light or rough, does he like to be touched or does he need his own space. Observe your dog’s gestures and reactions in different situations and learn more about your dog every day.
Choosing the best reward
In order to be able to use something as a reward, your dog needs to feel that thing you are offering him, is worth pursuing. The more valuable and motivating the reward is for your dog, the more enthusiastic he will be to work in order to earn it.
You need to learn to listen to your dog so that you can find out what he likes and doesn’t like. Don't assume that your dog will automatically like certain things. Your young dog won’t necessarily like the same things that your older dog likes. Spend time getting to know your dog, and find out what his favourite things are:
- Test different kinds of treats; like ham, cheese, chicken, boiled intestines... Smells are very significant in the canine world, and that's why a meat ball you quickly warm up in the microwave is probably much more interesting than dry kibble.
- Don't choose toys according to your own preferences in colors and materials. Test and find out what kinds of toys your dog likes; rubber toys, plastic toys, furry toys, squeaky toys, hard or soft, big or small... Some dogs appreciate an empty plastic bottle more than an expensive toy from a pet store.
- Some dogs love to be touched, while others become distressed if you pet them. Read your dog's reactions, and see if he finds tactile interactions rewarding.
Other dogs in the family?
Build the relationship with your puppy by taking him with you to places where you will encounter everyday situations that he is also likely to face later in life. If you already have one or more dogs, in your family, make sure you and your puppy also have some time for just the two of you. Go to some places alone with your puppy, without the other dogs. This way your puppy will learn that you and him are a team and that being with you is fun. You can also teach your puppy to stay at home while you go out with your other dogs. It’s useful to teach your puppy to wait while you interact with other dogs, especially if you want to train several dogs later on, for example, and have each dog wait patiently for their turn while you are training them.
Take advantage of everyday situations
After your puppy arrives you will have a lot of situations in your daily life that you can use to build your relationship with your puppy. A small puppy will eat several meals every day. Each meal is a perfect opportunity to practice something! You can teach your puppy to sit for example, wait for a permission to go to his bowl, go forward to the bowl or practice the foundations for 2on2off position. You will learn more about these things in detail later on.
Build a good relationship with your puppy!
