🐾 Dog Training: Why to Use Rewards – Vet Edition 2025

Training your dog should be about building trust—not enforcing obedience. As a veterinarian, I’ve seen firsthand the long-term benefits of positive reinforcement on behavior, mood, and the human-animal bond. In this 2025 guide, we’ll explore why using rewards works, how it helps your dog feel more confident, and what it means for the future of stress-free training. Let’s dive in. 🐕💬

📚 The Science Behind Reward-Based Training

Animals—from dogs and dolphins to humans and honeybees—learn through consequence. Behavior that leads to good outcomes is repeated. This is called positive reinforcement.

Examples:

• 🐒 A chimp pushes a stick into a termite mound to pull out a snack.
• 🐱 A cat avoids hot stoves after touching one once.
• 🐕 A dog sits when asked because it earns a tasty liver treat.

With reward-based training, we reinforce what we want the dog to do—rather than punishing what we don’t.

🎯 Key Benefits of Using Rewards

1. Boosts Your Dog’s Mood 😊

Reward-based training reduces anxiety and builds optimism. Why? Because your dog has control. They learn, “If I do this, good things happen.” That’s empowerment—not fear.

2. Builds Self-Confidence 🧠

When a dog figures out a behavior on their own (without being forced), they’re more likely to repeat it. This strengthens brain-body connection and resilience.

3. Improves Communication 💬

Rewards paired with consistent cues help dogs understand what we want. You’ll also become more aware of your dog’s body language and emotional state.

4. Strengthens the Human-Animal Bond 🤝

Training becomes a fun, shared experience—not a chore. Your dog learns that you’re predictable, rewarding, and trustworthy.

🍖 What Counts as a “Reward”?

Not all rewards are created equal. Use what motivates your dog:

• 🥩 Food: Freeze-dried liver, cooked chicken, cheese, hot dog bits
• 🐕 Toys: For high-drive dogs, a squeaky toy or tug game may outshine treats
• 🛋️ Access: Freedom to sniff, run, explore, or cuddle can be powerful
• 👏 Praise or petting: Great for known behaviors—not ideal when teaching something new

Use tiny treats—pea-sized for small dogs, kidney-bean-sized for large dogs—to keep your pup hungry to learn. 🫘

🎓 Training Tips for Getting Started

Use rewards wisely and consistently:

1. Use a marker (clicker or word like “yes!”) to tell your dog they did the right thing.
2. Give the treat immediately after the marker—timing is everything!
3. Start with continuous reinforcement (treat every time).
4. Once behavior is solid, switch to intermittent rewards (like a slot machine). This keeps the behavior strong.

🔁 Common Training Methods

• Capturing:

Reward a natural behavior when it occurs—then put it on cue. Example: Your dog lies down while you relax. Mark and treat. Add the cue “down” once they start offering it regularly.

• Luring:

Use a treat to guide your dog into a position. Example: Move a treat above your dog’s head to get a “sit.” Then reward and fade the lure over time.

• Shaping:

Break complex behaviors into small steps. Reward each progression. Example: Teaching a spin might start with just turning the head.

🚧 Why Dogs “Don’t Obey”

• ❌ They don’t understand your cue. Dogs are body language experts—not word processors.
• ❌ The reward isn’t good enough. Competing distractions (like squirrels) need higher-value rewards.
• ❌ The cue is “poisoned.” If you say “come” before clipping nails, they may avoid it.
• ❌ They’re afraid. Stress and fear block learning. Dogs in survival mode can’t perform calmly.

Always consider what your dog is feeling—not just what they’re doing.

💬 Common Myths Debunked

“He should do it to please me.”
Dogs don’t work for ego or hierarchy. They work for motivation. Training with rewards isn’t bribery—it’s earned payment. You’d expect a paycheck too!

“Positive training can’t set limits.”
Actually, it sets clear expectations. Saying “no” without teaching what to do doesn’t help. Training offers tools for success—not just corrections.

🐾 Real-Life Example: Recall with Rewards

Teaching “Come” can save lives—but it takes trust.

• Step 1: Call your dog in easy places. Use chicken. Party when they come.
• Step 2: Call them away from low distractions. Reward BIG.
• Step 3: Occasionally call them, reward, then let them return to play.

This keeps “come” from meaning “the fun ends.” Build positive associations first. 🚶‍♂️🎉

📋 Reward-Based Training Checklist

🧠 Final Thoughts from Dr Duncan Houston

Reward-based training isn’t just effective—it’s empowering. It gives your dog a voice, teaches you to listen, and makes learning a shared adventure. Whether your goals are polite greetings, reliable recall, or fun tricks, it all starts with connection, clarity, and a well-timed “yes!”

Need help selecting the right training strategy, tackling distractions, or building recall in real life? Ask A Vet is here 24/7—download the app today for expert behavior support tailored to your dog’s journey. 🐕✨