Using Rewards Effectively

6 Steps Easy

About this course

Using rewards in training creates a very powerful way of learning. A lot of research has shown that learning through rewards and positive reinforcement is the most effective method for long term success.

This masterclass will explore what rewards actually are. Reward-based training doesn’t mean dogs can do whatever they like, it just focuses on how you teach them to want to do what we’d like them to do, and how to reinforce their choices to create a well-trained and motivated dog.

Course Structure

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Step1 – What Are Rewards

Our relationship is vital and praise should always be used
Rewards can be from the handler (praise / food / toys)
Rewards can also come from the environment or the ‘premak’ principle

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Step 2- Using Food For The Basics

Food is great for the basics – quick and easy for high reps
Reward the dog’s own choice - don’t want to constantly be telling them what to do!
Can use food to encourage some movement as part of the reward

Video Includes:

Video:

Demo using treats to get focus and speak about the importance of praise
Demo of using food to allow dog to snuffle in order to reinforce a stay
Demo of using food to start a basic ‘stop’

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Step 3- Using Toys and Premak

Toys can be great to use for rewarding distance behaviour
A ‘fun’ behaviour can be the reward for doing a more boring behaviour
Retrieves can be rewarded with toys and play

Video Includes:

Using a ball to reward a stop
Using a fun behaviour (hunting) to reinforce a more boring behaviour (heel work)
Using toys to reward a retrieve

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Step 4 - Summary

Not all rewards are reinforcing
Your dog will be your best teacher
Be creative

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Certificate of Achievement

Download your Certificate of Achievement inside here

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Feedback

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Masterclass Provided By

Ladies Working Dog Group

Featured Expert - Jay Elcock

I have been a professional trainer since 2005. I started working with puppy classes and pet gundog classes and since 2007 have worked training assistance dogs for a national Charity.

I now work with owners of pet gundogs through to people wanting to work their dogs or have a go at working tests. I am an instructor with The Gundog Club and support my students working through the scheme’s field tests. I am an accredited instructor with the Kennel Club and have a degree in animal biology.

I am a partner of Scurries Dog Training based in Buckinghamshire and am on the committee of the Vale and West Gundog Club - a club specifically based around force-free training and welcoming members from across the UK.