In this episode of the Maximum Fun Agility podcast, Lorrie Reynolds explains an important concept in dog training: the dog decides what is rewarding.
Handlers often assume certain treats or toys should motivate their dogs, but motivation doesn’t work that way. A reward only works if the dog actually values it.
Through a story from one of her agility seminars, Lorrie demonstrates how discovering the right reward can completely transform a dog’s engagement and enthusiasm for training.
Topics Covered
dog training rewards, motivation in dog training, agility training engagement, finding high-value rewards for dogs, positive reinforcement dog training
In This Episode You’ll Learn
• Why dogs determine what counts as a reward in training • How the wrong reward can reduce engagement and enthusiasm • Why some dogs are motivated by unusual or unexpected rewards • How identifying the right reward can dramatically improve training success • Practical ways to discover what motivates your individual dog
Episode Overview
Rewards are one of the most powerful tools in dog training, but they only work if the dog truly values them.
In this episode, Lorrie shares the story of Sprint, a fast and intelligent sighthound who struggled with engagement during agility training. Sprint would perform one or two obstacles and then lose interest, choosing instead to explore the training area or return to her crate.
Traditional rewards such as food and common toys failed to hold her attention, even when high-value treats were used.
The breakthrough came when Lorrie asked what Sprint enjoyed doing most outside of training. The answer was simple: chasing moving objects.
Using a makeshift lure created from a fishing pole and a plastic bag, Sprint suddenly showed enthusiasm and focus for training. The ability to chase the moving object became the reward she had been missing.
This example highlights an important principle: handlers do not decide what motivates a dog. The dog does.
Some dogs are motivated by food or toys, but others may prefer activities such as chasing, splashing in water, or playing with unusual objects. Identifying what your individual dog truly values can dramatically improve engagement and learning.
Key Training Concepts Mentioned
• identifying high-value rewards for dogs • increasing motivation in agility training • using unconventional rewards in dog training • engagement and focus during training sessions • positive reinforcement training strategies
Key Takeaway
The effectiveness of a reward is determined by the dog, not the handler. When you discover what your dog truly values, training becomes more engaging, more effective, and far more fun for both halves of the team.
Episode 007 – What Are Screw-Up Cookies? Episode 011 – Lower Your Training Criteria When Teaching New Skills Episode 013 – Is Your Dog Actually Stubborn?
