The Big Reinforcer List: Reinforcers For Dog Training

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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

Can’t figure out your dog’s reinforcer to use during training?
Let us help!

Dog Toys & Products, Dog TrainingLauren TsaoFaithfully Yours Dog Training, LLCtreat ideas, kong ideas, toy ideas, toys, treats, dog toys, training, reinforcers, list, dog training, positive reinforcement, activites, environmental reinforcers, social, social reinforcers, psychology, dog psychology, food