In this series, we look at common dog training terms, to help owners have a better understanding of some of the lingo.
🎯 By the end of this video, you’ll know the difference between a reward and a reinforcer. (And why your dog couldn’t care less about that “special” treat you keep giving.)
“I gave him a treat — why isn’t he doing it!?”
Because not all treats are reinforcers.
Just because you gave something doesn’t mean it worked.
📌 A reward is something you think is valuable.
🧠 A reinforcer is something that makes the behaviour happen more.
💡 If it doesn’t increase the behaviour, it wasn’t reinforcing — it was just a snack.
📚 I once got a book voucher as a reward at school. Only problem? I hated books. It didn’t motivate me.
Your dog feels the same when you offer half a kibble for a recall from a squirrel chase 🐿️
The only way to measure if something is reinforcing, is does the behaviour strengthen as a result.
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