With it being Valentine’s Day weekend, this is the perfect time to talk about treats! If your loved one surprised you with a Valentine and a mini size chocolate bar you might be happy. Although, if you were presented with a Valentine, a dozen roses and a giant box of chocolate bars, you would certainly noticed the difference. Size matters!
When you give your pup three cookies for responding to a simple sit command in front of the cookie cupboard in the kitchen, that’s like giving an Ipod to a thirteen-year-old child for brushing their teeth. That would be silly, wouldn’t it? Now if you tell your pup to sit by the front door after hearing the doorbell? Now that deserves 3 cookies. Or maybe even a nice size piece of freeze dried liver and a belly rub to top it off!
Pay attention to the size and value of the rewards you give and why and when they are given. You will be in for a really big “treat” when you actually get the response you were looking for!
[author] [author_image timthumb=’on’]https://wagntails.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/author-image.png[/author_image] [author_info]About the Author Christine Fox, APDT, CTDI and a Pet Sitters International member, is the founder of Wag ‘N’ Tails Dog Activity Center with two locations in Michigan. She has been involved with many pet dog trainer certification initiatives, all based on learning techniques that involve humane practices and the latest in scientific research. Christine also raised a service dog for Paws With a Cause and plans to train her newest pup in therapy work. Through her work with dogs and their parents, Christine has developed many happy and healthy relationships with both humans and dogs in the community.[/author_info] [/author]
