By incorporating both food and praise into your training sessions, your dog’s learning will reach new heights.

If you’ve ever had a puppy, you know the sinking feeling of walking into your living room to find it full of last night’s garbage: the coffee grounds, the banana peels, and the leftovers. That’s because your adorable (and now dirty) puppy found something rewarding in the bottom of your trash can. And they’ll likely be back at it tomorrow if there’s any chance of yummy leftovers again!

What explains this devilish behavior? Is your otherwise lovable pup trying to ruin your day? Well, they’re actually pretty innocent in this case and are playing by the rules of a concept called “reinforcement” - the key to shaping desired behaviors in pets.

In this blog, you’ll learn how reinforcement and motivation are key in bringing out your dog’s best behavior and what your dog really wants as a reward. We’ll also share our best training treats for dogs. Bonus: they’re grain free! Get ready to see what really drives your pup’s behavior and discover the magical world of rewards-based training.

The Power of Reinforcement

In the world of dog training, reinforcement plays a crucial role in getting your dog to learn new commands or a cool party trick. But what is reinforcement exactly - and how do you do it?

Reinforcement is based on one simple principle: reinforced behaviors are more likely to be repeated. This training strategy is the key to getting your dog to “fetch” and “roll over” on command. When a behavior is reinforced with praise or treats, your pup will be more eager to do it again in the future - just like when you get a bonus at work. Getting regular rewards keeps you motivated and driven to do great work, and it’s not much different for your canine companion.

But the same goes for bad behavior too. Reinforcement also explains why dogs engage in behaviors like counter-surfing or raiding the trash. If your dog discovers fresh steak on the counter, you know exactly what will happen when you leave the room. A meaty treat reinforces this behavior, potentially turning it into a habit. But of course, it goes both ways. That’s where training comes in - where the goal is to reward the good behaviors more often so the bad ones don’t have room to stick.

Praise vs. Treats: Discovering What Makes Dogs Wag Their Tails

Picture this: you're armed with a delicious dog treat, a savory morsel that could make even the most stoic of canines weak at the knees. As you hold it in your hand, your four-legged companion looks at you with those adorable puppy eyes that say "I'd chase my tail for just a taste of that!"

Dogs are natural scavengers, forever driven by their primal urge to seek out and devour food. It's in their DNA! This makes food an exceptional tool for training, as it taps into their innate instincts. Just like how a double scoop of your favorite ice cream can make you feel extra special, a delicious snack holds an irresistible appeal for our furry pals.

But let's not forget about tried and true praise. A pat on the head, a warm smile, and a resounding "Good job, Fido!" can work wonders for boosting your pup's spirits. Scientific research even tells us that the rewards center in a dog's brain responds similarly to both praise and treats.[1] Imagine that! A kind word can light up their neural pathways almost as much as a tasty morsel.

So, should you choose praise or treats? The answer is simple: both! Showering your dog with praise and offering delectable rewards are a dynamic duo that can elevate their training to new heights. By combining the power of positive reinforcement, you're not only strengthening their good behaviors but also creating a harmonious bond built on trust, love, and, of course, scrumptious snacks.

Life’s Abundance Lamb & Venison Recipe dog treats are a great dog training treat for dogs who love natural flavors.

The Formula Behind Our Best Training Treats for Dogs

Here's the thing - optimal dog training goes beyond just using positive reinforcement. We all know treats are the backbone of a successful training sesh, but let's take a moment to talk about their nutritional value. When looking for healthy dog treats, you want pocket-sized bites that not only tantalize your dog’s taste buds but also nourish them from the inside out.

That’s why we created our grain free Lamb & Venison Recipe dog treats. These hearty, chewy treats have a savory flavor and irresistible texture dogs of all ages love.

The health, flavor and nutrition in these treats come from:

• Lamb. A superstar of protein sources for dogs. It's packed with essential amino acids that help build strong muscles. Not only that, lamb is a goldmine of vitamins and minerals like vitamin B12, zinc, iron, and selenium. Plus, it's often a go-to choice for dogs with food sensitivities or allergies.
• Venison. A lean meat and protein powerhouse. This ingredient is ideal for dogs who need a lower-fat diet. Like lamb, venison delivers those essential amino acids for brain and muscle power. It's another winning option for dogs with dietary sensitivities.
• Organ meats. Not everyone's cup of tea, but trust us - dogs go wild for them! Organ meats like lamb lung and liver are not only packed with protein but are also low in fat and irresistibly tasty. They bring a whole bunch of vitamins, including A, C and various B vitamins to the table. It's like a nutritional kickstart packed in one delightful bite.
• Dried chicory root. A natural ingredient with potential tummy benefits. This prebiotic fiber is a well-kept secret for supporting digestive health in dogs. Prebiotics in chicory root help your pup absorb all the nutrients they need and keep that gut microbiome in top-notch shape. And you know a healthy belly equals a happy pup

But remember, dear pet lovers, while these ingredients make for fantastic treats, it's crucial to consider your dog's unique dietary needs. Keep in mind treats should be seen as a delightful supplement to your dog's regular diet, not a full-on replacement.

Reinforcement is Only One Piece of the Puzzle

In conclusion, understanding the power of reinforcement and motivation is crucial for bringing out the best in our dogs, but that’s only half the story. You now know both praise and treats activate the rewards center in a dog's brain, making them equally effective in reinforcing positive behaviors.

To further support your furry friends' overall well-being, it's also important to provide them with a nutritionally balanced diet. When choosing treats, choose high-quality products made with real ingredients, avoiding fillers and artificial additives. At Life’s Abundance, we provide your cats and dogs with holistically-formulated foods and treats so they can live happy, healthy lives. Repeat after us: celebrate their progress, shower them with praise, and indulge them with wholesome treats!

References:
[1] Arhant, C., Bubna-Littitz, H., Bartels, A., Futschik, A., & Troxler, J. (2010). Behaviour of smaller and larger dogs: Effects of training methods, inconsistency of owner behavior and level of engagement in activities with the dog. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 123(3-4), 131

 

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