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Originally Posted by Britster  I still use food but once a behavior is learned, I don't give a treat after every trick. He can go through like 10-20 behaviors in a row and then be given one treat at the end and be happy to work still. The thing is though, I don't mind using what would be HIS biggest currency (for him, it's food) because, well, frankly I wouldn't want to work for free either. But I think it is important to test their skills sometimes and NOT have a treat in your hand luring them. I do always use high value food when coming when called. I always want him to know that coming to me is worth it no matter what. |
Tibbe is the same. He will now go through his whole repertoire for a single treat at the end. Except I can't help but serial treat him then - usually 4 or 5 in a row. When I do good work, I expect a fat paycheck and I think he should be rewarded in kind! Still, to keep him excited and hopeful by the prospect and looking at it all as fun, occasionally only praise and/or a play session is offered so he doesn't come to expect a treat every time after doing his tricks.
But I fessed up on YT long ago that to this day Tibbe gets praised, told "Good boy", usually petted or scratched and treated almost every time he comes when called - and I get a little kiss on the leg or hand from him. Only very occasionally do I not treat but I always praise him. And he comes first call 99 99/100% of the time. Since he's got MVD and IBS, I have to just give him his prescription kibble for treats, plain or fixed or cooked various ways, but they are high-value to him. He acts like they are warm, boiled chicken or beef!!!
To tell you the truth, I think Tibbe would work now just to work. He's addicted to the training, all the fun activity, the learning process(he loves the term "new trick' and trying to figure out something new I want), the bonding that working together brings; and he lives to show off more than anything. He loves that he can do whatever I ask of him and preens through his due praise, looking me right in the eye as he takes it all in, usually dog-laughing all the while. He's very self-confident and proud of himself! And he was a broken, frightened dog when he first came here.