Motivation is everything
Here is a little secret: I love potato chips. Actually, anyone who knows me wouldn’t call THAT a secret.
Want to know something else about me? I hate vacuuming. I dislike just about everything about it – the way the stick part always falls towards me when I open the broom cupboard; that noise when it falls over; and why is the cord NEVER long enough to get to where I want to go?
But – if someone gave me a bag of chips every time I vacuumed, I sure would face those hardships a lot more often.
Let’s face it. Would you go to work every day, if you did not get paid? I rest my case.
We need motivation to do the things we do. And our dogs are the same! Sure they love running around, digging up the garden and barking at the neighbours. Those things are fun!
But if you want them to vacuum for you, you need to pay!
Seriously, jokes aside, dogs need motivation, just like us. Motivation is what makes your dog tick. It’s what drives him to do things, like respond to your cues and find doing so worthwhile – especially the second and third times you ask. Motivation answers the question, “What’s in it for the dog?”
How to use motivation
If you control what motivates your dog, you give him good reason to pay attention to you. Your dog will want whatever YOU want him to do. It’s the equivalent of saying to your dog, “I’ll tell you what: If you sit, I’ll throw your ball” or “If you stop pulling on leash, I’ll let you go smell that chips packet.” You use what naturally motivates your dog to get the behaviours you want most. This works, because dogs learn by association and by consequence. You just use what your dog likes, to create create positive associations and positive consequences for the dog.
How you can increase your dog’s motivation
First, limit your dog’s access to the things he finds most motivating. food sitting around in a bowl can’t equal the fun of kibble dished out during a fun training session. Besides, your dog is not likely to want your treats if he can help himself to food anytime he feels like it.. Have a ball-crazy dog? Instead of leaving balls around the house at all times, carry them with you so you can whip one out as a way to reward your dog when he is getting something right.
Second, you can make a toy more exciting by bringing it to life for your dog. Simply handing a dog a rope isn’t nearly as fun for either of you as pretending its a rabbit! Shake it about, snake it on the ground and pretend it is you favourite treasure. Then at the height of your dog’s excitement, ask for a behaviour and reward it with a toss of the toy.
What if your dog isn’t food motivated?
Well, he has to be—or he wouldn’t be alive. But if he blows off your treats, do these things:
1. Significantly increase the value of the treats you offer. Don’t try dry foods, especially in high-distraction outdoor settings. Work to find a food (usually something meaty and greasy) that makes your dog go cross-eyed with glee. Try viennas, cheese, polony .. leftover meat from yesterday’s braai…or try baking your own treats. My dogs love tuna treats and liver brownies… just saying.
2. Limit your dog’s access to his food. If your dog is constantly full, he will be less interested in what you have to offer. Avoid free feeding, and schedule feeding times for after training sessions and walks, instead of before.
3. Try something else altogether. For example, if you have a ball-obsessed dog, you may have an easier time getting his attention with a ball on a rope than with the leftover chicken from last night’s dinner.
Do you know what your dog loves more than anything? Leave a comment and share with us.
