Episode 256: What Was That Cookie For?! When Positive Reinforcement In Dog Training Goes Wrong

Susan Garrett2024-02-03T01:07:09+00:00January 31st, 2024|3 Comments

With the growing popularity of positive reinforcement-based dog training, there's an increasing popularity of criticizing the use of positive reinforcement. And truthfully, it isn't all unfounded because there can be a huge variability in people's results when they choose not to use physical corrections or verbal intimidation in their dog training. I’m addressing the criticism with a look at 5 different scenarios where dogs get rewarded for things you don’t want, and how using the magic question “what was that cookie for?” can fast track success and turn unwanted behaviors around.

In this episode you’ll hear:

The growing popularity and criticism of positive reinforcement in dog training.
What variables affect the effectiveness in dog training.
The pivotal question that can transform your approach to dog training.
What “choice point” is in dog training.
Five scenarios illustrating different reinforcement situations and their implications.
What the 5 categories of reinforcements are and knowing what your dog loves.
The impact of reinforcement on both the dog's behavior and the trainer's actions.
Why negative reinforcement is the silent killer of dreams.
How to be intentional, clear, and purposeful when reinforcing desired behaviors.
About asking the magic question “what was that cookie for?”.

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3 Comments

Katherine sowerby February 1, 2024 at 12:49 pm - Reply

Hi Susan

Another excellent podcast. I have a 1 year old German shepherd and your training videos have been incredibly helpful in clarifying and refining my approach to training him. I just love the philosophy and clarity of your approach
I have one issue which I wonder if maybe I could have some advice or you could do a podcast on. It’s regarding disengagement from distractions.

Recognising that training is a work in progress, what would you advise you do in those circumstances where your dog is not responding to you when asked.

For example I feel my dog does need to go for a walk, I am selective where I take him based on the education I have given him.

However there are always those moments where you get caught out and your ignored on occasion. Such as he’s really absorbed by an interesting smell/dog/bike etc , but you want to move on, I say his name once but no response. But 9 times out-of 10 there is a response.
In those moments what’s the best thing to do so you don’t reinforce a behaviour you don’t want or latency in the response. Would you just guide using gentle pressure on the halter or is there another way?
Sue Kingston February 1, 2024 at 10:25 am - Reply

This information on reinforcement is very helpful.
I am enrolled in Recallers programme.
My questions:
I am on a walk with my dog and she is distracted by something in the environment, and I play a game of deke to get her engaged with me, then I have actually rewarded her distraction with the reinforcement of a game.
Again, I am on a walk with my dog and again she is distracted ( eg her focus goes to cows in the paddock) but she doesn’t leave me, then when she brings her focus back to me (looks at me) I reward with a cookie. The cookie reinforces the behaviour right at the moment, that is she focused on me. However after receiving the cookie, she repeatedly returns her focus to the distraction (the cows).
Karalee January 31, 2024 at 6:15 pm - Reply

Hey Susan, I need guidance on a couple of things. First, how do I get my food motivated dog to stop biting my fingers when giving him a treat? I have played it’s your choice a lot and he gets it but still I get teeth down the tips of my fingers. I might not have flesh left before too long.

Second, a topic no one wants to talk about but is very common. Poop eating. Any ideas on stopping this? Deterrent products aren’t working, store bought or natural ones or any combo of them. Vet says he will out grow this – doubt that. Vet said he is healthy but didn’t seem to care, so yes, I am getting a second opinion. Trying to find a vet that knows what to look for is very rare. I have had way more experience with this than I would like. I have found this to be a learned behavior so getting rid of it is near impossible. Any help would be appreciated!