The Value of Rewards

Canine Coach Mike provides easy-to-learn training methods that will boost both you and your dog’s confidence!

We all find value in our daily lives. Maybe its a simple pat on the back for a job well done or the accomplished feeling you get after cutting and trimming your overgrown lawn. If it makes you feel good, there is a good chance you will want to repeat the task more often.

Dogs can find value in everything that they come across each day. We may walk past a stop sign and not even give it a second thought, while your dog is bursting with interest at the same sign. In fact, your dog may not want to leave that spot for a long while! When we are training our dog there are plenty of things that can make or break your dogs concentration.

When I begin training a new behavior I want to make sure that the rewards I am using are irresistible to the dog. I will break out the cheese, turkey, liver or even fish skin which all get the attention of my dog. Each dog you live and train with is different so there’s no guarantee  whatever you are using is going to work, so try new items that offers the highest value. 

Here is a list of rewards and their value from low to high that will help when training:

Kibble= $1

Milkbone= $5

Freeze dried liver= $10

Cheese= $25

Leftover steak/chicken= $50

I’m sure that you can add more to this list while experimenting with your own dog. Remember lower value rewards are for easier behaviors like sit or down. Higher value rewards are for harder to train behaviors like stay or recalls, especially around distractions.

Keep practicing and you will find getting your dog’s attention will be easier if you bump up the value!

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“Dogs really love to please their humans, and using positive training methods is the fastest way to get results!”

- Canine Coach Mike

Connect With Mike

    canine-coach-mike

    Michael Muscato, CPDT-KA​

    The Canine Coach

    With a love for dogs and a passion for coaching, Mike is dedicated to educating people about their dogs behavior.

    Mike was introduced to horses and dogs at a young age and soon knew these animals would become a rewarding part of his life. He was inspired to train dogs by Sherwood, his first Golden Retriever in 1990. Mike is determined to make a lasting impact with every dog and their owner, using positive training methods.

    For over 20 years Mike has been a player development director for athletes, and feels right at home sharing his knowledge to help dog owners become a better coach to their dog!