Rewards are always good! The word “no” shouldn't be used when your dog is trying to get it. Always keep rewards positive, happy and fun.
The more excited your dog is about getting that reward, the more speed and drive you will have in your dog. It’s important that the reward is something that your dog really, really wants. You also need to make sure that your dog feels happy and confident in going for the reward.
Going to a reward must be super-fun for your dog every single time. It has to be the best thing in the world! Ideally, your dog wants to get to the reward so badly that he will try to escape your grip when you hold on to the dog. Instead of telling your dog to "leave it", ask him to try and get it!
To make sure that you have a dog who is motivated by rewards, it should never be a bad thing. Don't tell your dog ”no” when he wants to run to his reward, even if he skips a task he was supposed to do to get there. Next time, pay more attention to how you position the reward, or have an assistant help you reward your dog. That way, if your dog doesn’t finish the task he was supposed to do, the assistant can pick up the reward before the dog reaches it.
Never get into the situation where your dog gets stressed about picking the reward up. It’s your job as a handler to make sure the dog gets his reward for what you want him to be rewarded for.
Have fun practicing - enjoy every moment with your best friend!
