What's Higher Value Than Food or Treats for Your Dog?
WE've all seen posts from folks exclaiming in frustration how treats don't work. No wonder, a mere 1/4 inch cube of real roast beef? Or running? Let's RUN. :) I bet it would be the same if I used a 4 lb steak. Let's RUN. Even 5 pieces of the beef, heck no, let's RUN. :)
That's why throwing the ball is a higher reward for Oban, his reward is he gets not only to run, he can actually catch the ball. Not so the deer, which he has learned.
In the house Oban is not a counter surfer. He's really very, very good. I've mistakenly (the phone rang or something) left plates with meal remnants including meat on the edge of the counter and he doesn't touch them. The only thing he will jump up and grab is his leash. When we go out in the car I fold his leash and tie it in a knot and he carries it out to the car, not wearing it. I have put the tied leash on the counter, at the back, a couple of times then went to get something I forgot only to hear a clunk and a chink as he reaches up to get it. In this case it's not the actual leash that's so much of a reward as the idea in his mind that it means a drive in the car and/or a walk. I think.
How about your pup?