Rewarding dogs - motivation, relationship and more than just a treat

What does reward mean for dogs?

Reward is anything that makes a behaviour more likely. Full stop. It's not about "bribing" the dog, but about making him understand: That was good - please do that more often. A reward reinforces a desired behaviour, creates orientation and promotes cooperation between dog and human.

We - Lui & Paulina - see reward as a central tool in modern dog training. But not just as food. Rewards are individual. What is a piece of cheese for one dog may be a game together or a short cuddle for another. It's about reinforcing the behaviour - with something that is really important to the dog at that moment.

Why is reward so important?

Dogs learn through consistency - and that doesn't mean punishment, but logical, fair feedback. If a dog does not know what is desired, it cannot show it more often. Rewarding helps to mark exactly this behaviour: This behaviour is worthwhile for you.

A reward-orientated training style:

• strengthens the relationship

• motivates the dog to co-operate

• Reduces uncertainty and frustration

• creates a positive learning atmosphere

Without real rewards, behaviour often remains random - with them it becomes controllable, comprehensible and reliable.

What can be a reward?

1st chuck - fast, precise, effective. Perfect for new learning processes or fine timing.

2. play - dynamic, emotional, relationship-building. Ideal for dogs motivated to hunt.

3. social attention - stroking, eye contact, calm voice - very valuable for many dogs.

4. authorisations - e.g. free running, sniffing, making contact, running into the water.

Important: Not every reward always works. The context decides. A stressed dog will not take food - a playful young dog will ignore being stroked. The reward must match the situation, the mood and the type of dog.

Our approach at Vitomalia

We work with rewards because we work with trust. Pressure, punishment or intimidation may make behaviour controllable in the short term - but never stable, safe or joyful. With rewards, we not only achieve the desired behaviour, but also genuine cooperation.

But this also includes: timing, technique, selection. Rewarding is not "just giving a treat". It is communication that works - at the right moment, with the right intensity.

Our conclusion

Reward is not weakness. It is clarity. And it is what makes a relationship at eye level possible. A dog that is rewarded not only learns faster - it prefers to learn. And that makes the difference between obedience and trust.

Because true education begins where motivation and relationship meet. And that's exactly where we start.