In dog training, we often talk about positive reinforcement—but how often do we stop and ask, "Was that actually reinforcing?"
It’s a common misunderstanding, even among well-meaning owners (and sometimes trainers): thinking that giving a treat automatically means a behavior was reinforced. But here’s the truth...
A treat is only a reward if the dog sees it that way.
Let’s dive deeper into this concept—and explore why understanding the difference between a treat and a true reward is essential for effective training.
Reinforcement Is Defined by the Learner
This is foundational: only the dog can determine whether something is reinforcing. If you offer a treat after a behavior and that behavior doesn't increase in frequency, then your “reward” didn’t do its job.
A reward isn’t defined by intention—it’s defined by effect. If the behavior isn’t strengthening, the reinforcer isn’t effective. Period.
Not All Treats Are Created Equal
Even if you’re using a tasty treat, it might not be valuable enough in that moment. Why?
- The dog may be full.
- The environment may be too distracting.
- The dog might prefer another type of reinforcement (e.g., play or movement).
What works in your kitchen won’t necessarily work in a busy park. Context changes the value of the reward. That’s why some behaviors fall apart “in real life”—the reinforcer can’t compete with the distractions.
Sometimes, a Treat Can Even Act as a Punishment
Here’s a surprising truth: giving a treat can weaken behavior if it’s not what the dog wanted.
Imagine this: Your dog performs a great behavior in a training session, clearly expecting to chase their favorite ball—but instead, you hand over a piece of kibble. That mismatch can lead to disappointment or frustration, decreasing the likelihood of the dog offering that behavior again.
This is how well-meaning reinforcement can backfire.
Dogs Have Reward Hierarchies—and They Shift
Their preferences change based on:
- Arousal level
- Hunger
- Time of day
- Training history
- Environment
- ...
A dog who normally loves liver might ignore it when they’re fixated on a search task. A sniff or a tug session might be more powerful in that moment.
A good trainer constantly observes and adapts.
Reinforcement Isn’t Just About Food
One of the most powerful shifts trainers can make is expanding what they consider a reward. While food is convenient and often effective, many dogs are equally (or more) motivated by:
- Play
- Access to an environment (e.g., sniffing a patch of grass)
- Movement (e.g., forward motion on leash)
- Work (like continuing a tracking or detection task)
- ...
Don’t box yourself—or your clients—into a food/toy-only mindset.
Watch the Behavior
The only way to know if you’re truly reinforcing is to watch the behavior:
- Is it happening more of
- ten?
- Is it becoming stronger or more fluent?
- Is the dog offering it willingly?
If not, it’s time to re-evaluate the reinforcer.
The Takeaway: Observe, Don’t Assume
As trainers, our job is to teach clients (and remind ourselves) that reinforcement is about outcomes—not effort.
That means constantly asking:
- What does this dog want right now?
- Is my reward strong enough for this environment?
- Is the behavior improving?
When in doubt, look to the learner. They’ll always tell you what’s working-if you’re paying attention.