Reinforcement Should Feel Like a Celebration
Reinforcement is an event - not just a “well done”—
but a YES, THAT! And an excuse to celebrate with your dog.
Whether you’re on an agility course, at an obedience trial, working through a scent search, or fine-tuning tricks in the backyard—one thing holds true: reinforcement is where the learning lives.
And not just any reinforcement. I’m talking about the kind that feels like a moment. A celebration. A clear and joyful message that says, “That right there? I loved that. Let’s do it again.”
Because when reinforcement is just a routine—cue, behaviour, treat, repeat—we risk it becoming background noise. Predictable. Forgettable. And that’s not where learning thrives.
Your Reinforcement Should Light the Dog Up
The best reinforcement has emotion behind it. It’s a full-body YES from you. It matters. It means something.
We’re not just feeding dogs or throwing a toy for doing a thing. We’re letting them know they nailed it. We’re saying, “That was exactly what I wanted—thank you for giving it to me.”
No matter the sport, whether you're rewarding a perfect weave entry, a committed position in heel, a stunning stop at source, or a clear approach to a tricky jump, that reinforcement should feel like a party.
Are You Rewarding… or Just Delivering?
Let’s be honest—we’ve all had moments where we deliver food or toys on autopilot. But your dog knows the difference between “Here, have this because I’m supposed to give it to you,” and “WOW, YES! That was awesome!”
Reinforcement doesn’t have to be loud or over the top, but it does have to be meaningful.
Things to Play With:
Reward delivery style: Toss it, chase it, tug it, scatter it, surprise them. Variety builds value. Food in motion is more fun!
Train your marker cues: Let your dog know how the reward is coming. That anticipation builds engagement.
Switch up the type: Food is great. Toys are great. Praise can be great. But mix it up and see what lands best in that moment.
Celebrate with them: Let them feel your joy. That connection is reinforcing too.
Reinforcement Should Do the Heavy Lifting
We often focus so hard on the training that we forget the reinforcement is where most of the understanding happens. So let it do its job.
Let it motivate. Let it energise. Let it communicate your excitement and your appreciation for what your dog just did.
Make it a moment your dog wants to repeat—not just because they’re being paid, but because it was fun, engaging, and worth their effort.
One More Time for the Back Row:
Reinforcement should feel like a celebration.
Not just a “well done.”
But a YES, THAT!
Go out there and make your precious training time meaningful by making the next reward count.
Happy Training!
Lisa Wright
