The Big Reinforcer List: Reinforcers For Dog Training
The Big Reinforcer List
Possible Reinforcers For Dog Training
Just like humans, dogs have different preferences. Not all dog treats, toys, or experiences hold the same value for every dog. So, try out a wide variety and if it increases your target behavior, it is a reinforcer for your dog. Here is a big list of possible reinforcers your dog might find, well, reinforcing!
Before you can begin any kind of training, you must know what your dog considers a pleasant association or consequence. The purpose of this free worksheet is to get to know your dog's likes and dislikes a little better so that you will always be prepared with a powerful treat when you need it. Attached below is a rewards list sheet for you to download and fill out before you start training.
• Using the worksheet included, make a list of at least 20 things your dog likes in what you think is her usual order of preference (bearing in mind that such preferences change according to circumstances, i.e., the turkey sandwich after Thanksgiving dinner). Some food possibilities are chicken, roast beef, hot dogs, jerky treats, Sports Dog Food brand dog food, string cheese, cheese, fish, and even bagels. And you probably know whether she likes her normal kibble well enough to work for it. In thinking up (and testing on your dog, of course) various kinds of food, bear in mind that the most efficient ones to deliver are soft foods (so you don't waste time waiting for her to crunch them up) that can be easily cut into tiny pieces. You can also include things other than food on your list, like fuzzy toys, squeaky balls, tennis balls, and playing tug if your dog likes them.
• In your training sessions, try to vary which of these treats you use, but don’t use his top 2 or 3 at all. Bring a supply of those to class next week, cut into very small pieces (no bigger than an M&M).
• In order to make sure that these treats will be very potent for your dog in class where they will have to compete with the intense stimulation of seeing other dogs, do not feed her dinner right before class.
DISCLAIMER: Remember to add new reinforcers safely and double-check with your vet before changing your dog's diet.
FOOD REINFORCERS
Soft Training Treats (Ex. CloudStar Tricky Trainers)
Food Filled Puzzle Toys (some dogs find the challenge more reinforcing)
Bully Sticks
All-Natural Rawhide (Ex. Raw Feeding Miami)
Whimzees or other edible chews
Freeze-Dried Treats (Ex. Sojo’s Simply)
Boiled/Baked Boneless Skinless Chicken (no seasoning)
Boiled/Baked Boneless Skinless Turkey (no seasoning)
Some Baby Foods (check ingredient lists)
Sugar-Free Apple Sauce
Cucumbers
Apples (no seeds)
Banana (no peel)
Blueberries
Raspberries
Blackberries
Strawberries
Cranberries (dried or fresh)
Mango (no peel)
Peaches (no peel or seeds)
Pears (no peel or seeds)
Pineapple (no peel)
Kiwi (no peel)
Dragonfruit (no peel)
Coconut (no shell, limited amounts)
Watermelon (no seeds or rinds)
Cantaloupe (no seeds or rinds)
Honeydew Melon (no seeds or rinds)
Cooked Broccoli (no seasoning)
Cooked Cauliflower (no seasoning)
Cooked Carrots (no seasoning)
Cooked Green Beans (no seasoning)
Cooked Brussel Spouts (no seasoning)
Cooked Squash (no seasoning)
Scrambled Eggs
Hard Boiled Eggs
Beef (no seasoning, fat removed, no bones)
Pork (no seasoning, fat removed, no bones)
Lamb (no seasoning, fat removed, no bones)
Bison (no seasoning, fat removed, no bones)
Bread or Bread Crust
Cheerio’s (or another plain cereal)
Peanut Butter (without xylitol)
Plain Oatmeal
Pumpkin
Canned Dog Food
Honey (limited amount)
Low-Fat Cheese
Cooked Plain Pasta
Liver
Ice Cubes
Popcorn (no seasoning)
Sardines (in spring water, not oil)
Green Lipped Muscles
Tuna (no seasoning)
Salmon (no seasoning)
Ground Beef (no seasoning)
Rice (preferably brown)
Quinoa
Cooked Sweet Potato
Cooked Yams
Low Sodium Lunch Meat (limited amounts)
Plain Yogurt
Kibble
TOY REINFORCERS
Dog-Safe Tennis Ball (Ex. KONG Balls)
Dog-Safe Disc (Ex. Hero Disc)
Squeaky Toys
Rope Toys
Puzzle Toys
Stuffed Toys
Crunchy/Sound Toys
Floating Water Toys
Flirt Poles
Soccer Ball
Jolly Ball
Bumpers
Cardboard Box
Real Fur Tug
Bite Sleeves
SOCIAL/ENVIRONMENTAL REINFORCERS
Petting
Praise (very low value for most dogs, not recommended alone for training)
Play with Owner
Play with Another Dog
Play with Another Animal
Belly Rubs
Massage
Cuddling
Chasing Squirrels/Birds
Chasing Humans
Chasing Other Dogs
Herding
Sniffing
Car Rides
Getting In or Out of Kennel
Greeting People
Greeting Other Dogs
Greeting Other Animals
Barking
Going Outside
Going Inside
Chewing/Destroying
Teething
Playing in Sprinkler/Hose
Swimming
Hunting
Retrieving/Fetch
Tug-a-War
Getting on Couch/Bed
Tracking
Nosework
Going to Training Classes
Going to the Park
Going on Walks
Chasing Things on TV
Wrestling
Digging
Chasing Bubbles
