I have one dog who works for me because I ask her to. She is a Border Collie and really lives to please and eats up praise. Several things I just showed her what I wanted and she did it - don't ask me how or why. It took about 3 minutes each to teach her to "crawl" and "spin" the only reward being a yes and gooood girl.
Not that I've had dozens and dozens of dogs, but I had ONE (Aussie mix) like yours. No real "training session" to speak of, but she learned everything I wanted her to do and more. A cat fight in the front yard, then she'd stare at my face at an open door that she was never told not to cross (but didn't). As soon as I say "GO!", she'd dash out to break the fight.
I don't expect that from most dogs either. I've never used toys but always food. I think most dogs prefer food to petting/scritching as a work reward . Food is not something we must teach dogs to enjoy, as opposed to "rewarding with praises only" requiring some bonding with the handler whom the dog wants to receive praises from PLUS I feel it's part of inborn temperament (maybe pretty uncommon!). The smart Aussie mix girl we had was very insecure & a bit neurotic ever since we picked her up as a puppy.
I wonder if those "praises only" trained dogs would try to please any humans? I wouldn't want my dog to wag tail with "how can I serve you?" at anybody else.
Reg: 09-24-2009
Posts: 220
Loc: Arizona, Cochise County, USA
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I say use what works best for the dog, the handler, and the situation. I have trained many eager workers (especially GSD's) who not only worked well without food or toys; but who would actually refuse treats. Like the BC that was mentioned, praise was the best reward they could have. Other dogs are chow hounds and will do anything for a treat. Some dogs respond best to toys. This latter is common in dogs with a fairly strong retrieve drive; which includes many herding and working breeds, as well as gun dog breeds.
There is nothing wrong with using praise to motivate while you train. There is nothing wrong with food as the motivator. There is nothing wrong with toys as the motivator. I don't like to see people locking themselves into only one choice for all dogs.
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Re: Training w/o Food or Toy Rewards
[Re: Connie Sutherland ]
#250974 - 08/25/2009 08:52 PM 
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. Food is not something we must teach dogs to enjoy, as opposed to "rewarding with praises only" requiring some bonding with the handler whom the dog wants to receive praises from PLUS I feel it's part of inborn temperament (maybe pretty uncommon!). The smart Aussie mix girl we had was very insecure & a bit neurotic ever since we picked her up as a puppy.
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