Anne Jones Webboard User Reg: 04-29-2004
Posts: 3825
Loc: Northeast
Offline
I didn't view the videos...but this is what I do...
My dogs have both very high food & toy drive.
I often teach new behavors with food & then once somewhat established, use a ball or tug for a reward. I find that, at least with my dogs, that a ball or tug is too high of a reward to use in teaching a new behavor. They just get too spun up with toy to concentrate well enough to learn something new....especially more complex behavors.
Until the puppy starts to understands the behavior your trying to teach it AND you really understand what your doing, don't go with the highest level of reward. To often it's to much for the pup and it can't think enough to learn properly.
Most, not all pups/dogs have a preference and that's "usually" a tug or ball over food.
With experience you'll be able to start the training with that higher level reward but there is still nothing wrong with starting at a lower level.
I start right out with the tug with my ywo GSDs but they are almost nine and 5+ in age with a lot of understanding of markers and, as important, understand how I use the marker system. Consistency is the key and that requires time and repetition.
I would highly recommend this article "Balance - food and toys". It seems that using food too much is a common beginner mistake.
Would that be using it to much or just not knowing how to wean off of it? That seems to be the biggest problem with beginners.
Same with compulsion training for beginners. Weaning the dog off the corrections/correction collars without making it ring wise.
Go into a competition ring without knowing how to get away from the food/toy/correction quickly teaches a dog that your training hasn't been done properly.
Notice I didn't say it teaches the dog to be stubborn!
Ana Kozlowsky Webboard User Reg: 01-21-2010
Posts: 1049
Loc:
Offline
The article is very short and informative. It is about using food vs. toy as motivator, not the fine points of "weaning them off it", that is entirely different matter.
Duane Hull Webboard User Reg: 09-23-2011
Posts: 2692
Loc: Marrero, LA
Offline
The article takes the approach that food is higher value than the toy. This may be confusing for some, as a lot of working dog handlers that own working line dogs are dealing with the opposite scenario. Most of the dogs that I see training have much higher prey drives than food drive, and will not refuse a tug or a ball for a food treat.
Carol Blumlein Webboard User Reg: 03-29-2012
Posts: 421
Loc:
Offline
Connie~ I am having problems watching the video. My connection speed is very fast, but it keeps stalling. Very annoying! I have tried many browsers... same thing. It's hard to watch. However, I think I've got the idea.
To everyone else who answered, my 11month old is so off and on with his preference from day to day, I don't know what to do.
I try to motivate with food(got to be careful he's got a sensitive stomach) and tugs and balls.
We have some days where he likes to tug and others where he'd rather chase a ball AND many times I get the feeling he's tugging because he thinks I want him to!
He is not a working line dog, but really loves playtime. I haven't figured it out yet.
When purchasing any product from Leerburg Enterprises, Inc. it is understood
that any and all products sold by Leerburg Enterprises, Inc. are sold in Dunn
County Wisconsin, USA. Any and all legal action taken against Leerburg Enterprises,
Inc. concerning the purchase or use of these products must take place in Dunn
County, Wisconsin. If customers do not agree with this policy they should not
purchase Leerburg Ent. Inc. products.
Dog Training is never without risk of injury. Do not use any of the products
sold by Leerburg Enterprises, Inc. without consulting a local professional.
The training methods shown in the Leerburg Ent. Inc. DVD’s are meant
to be used with a local instructor or trainer. Leerburg Enterprises, Inc. cannot
be held responsible for accidents or injuries to humans and/or animals.
Copyright 2010 Leerburg® Enterprises, Inc. All rights reserved. All photos and content on leerburg.com are part of a registered copyright owned by Leerburg Enterprise, Inc.
By accessing any information within Leerburg.com, you agree to abide by the
Leerburg.com Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
food or toy rewards?
Top
Re: food or toy rewards?
Previous Topic
Index
Next Topic
.jpg)
.jpg)
