Rewards in Training

Rewards come in many forms including, toys, food and desirable behaviors such as off leash time or the chance to investigate something interesting. We've covered this before but in this post, I'd like to elaborate that not only are the motivators and rewards important but the manner in which their are presented and time intervals are crucial as well. In the beginning, say when we are shaping a new behavior, fast rewards within milliseconds of the behavior being performed are important. Why? Simply because, if we wait to reward that behavior, a close associated isn't always formed not to mention that if you're trying to get a dog to sit, and you reward 10 seconds after they sit, they've now had time to yawn, look around, get back up or do a number of other behaviors. It's not clear what we're rewarding for. It is highly important that we communicate what we want. A huge part of this is rewarding behaviors as soon as they are performed.

Sometimes we do reward for an incorrect behavior. That's okay, too. In a sea of many of the same behaviors performed, one small click or one treat at the wrong time doesn't make a huge difference. The important thing is that we honor the reward. If we don't stay consistent, then the clicker or your marker word, such as "yes" or "good" loses it's meaning very quickly. I, myself, would rather reward than poison or lose value for the word I've worked so hard to build up.

Something else comes to mind when I consider rewards. Especially, when we're working with young puppies or dogs that are very new to training, we want to reward numerous times. Once the behavior has become solidified, rewards can be stretched out over time. It's sort of like we have to teach the dog the game first. Once all rules have been established and the dog knows what to expect, we don't have to remind them of all the rules.

"The way positive reinforcement is carried out is more important than the amount." -B.F. Skinner 

This is important to remember as well. One could say that the speed or quickness of the reinforcement is both the way in which it is carried out as well as the amount. Rewarding often does have it's perks, but we can also look at a varied schedule of reinforcement. Sometimes we reward every 2 behaviors and sometimes we go 5 behaviors before we reward. When does the cookie or toy come next? Since the dog doesn't know, this method allows behaviors to become strong, clear and we see duration as well. The dog is going to try their very best every single time, because just maybe, this time we will give him his desired reward.

While there are many types of rewards out there and many ways in which we can deliver them, the main point is that studies have shown that positive reinforcement does wonders. It often creates behaviors that are understood better and last longer. If we associate training and behaviors with positive results and desirable rewards, the dog is more likely to repeat the actions that earn him those rewards.

After all, it's much more fun when something pleasant happens while you're learning!