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Featured image for “What Is a Natural Reinforcer?”

What Is a Natural Reinforcer?

Have you ever wanted to reward your dog for a job well done, but didn’t have food treats with you?…
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Unique Reinforcers

No treats? No problem! There are many other reinforcers besides food that can be leveraged in a training session. In…
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Featured image for “Petting as Reinforcement”

Petting as Reinforcement

One question that trainers are often asked is if food treats must be used as the reinforcer. Some dogs do…
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Featured image for “Reinforcement Without Food”

Reinforcement Without Food

When thinking about positive reinforcement, food treats are likely top of mind. However, there may be times when you can’t…
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Featured image for “Building Value in Secondary Reinforcers”

Building Value in Secondary Reinforcers

Many people only think of using a primary reinforcer, such as food treats, when they are training behavior with an…
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Featured image for “Using “Go Sniff” as a Reinforcer”

Using “Go Sniff” as a Reinforcer

Does your dog spend most of your walks sniffing the ground? Well, there’s a good reason for that! Unlike humans…
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Featured image for “Using Toys as Reinforcers”

Using Toys as Reinforcers

Have you ever wanted to reward your dog for a job well done, but didn’t have food treats with you?…
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Featured image for “Teaching Behaviors as Secondary Reinforcers”

Teaching Behaviors as Secondary Reinforcers

Understanding reinforcement is the key to understanding how dogs learn. Reinforcement can be categorized as either primary or secondary. A…
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Featured image for “Getting Started with Non-Food Reinforcers”

Getting Started with Non-Food Reinforcers

The effective use of non-food reinforcers is a critical skill that all trainers will likely use or need at some…
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Featured image for “Thinking Outside the Treat Pouch: Secondary Reinforcers”

Thinking Outside the Treat Pouch: Secondary Reinforcers

When you give your dog a treat for a job well done, you are using a primary reinforcer, which is…
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Featured image for “Teach Clapping as a Secondary Reinforcer”

Teach Clapping as a Secondary Reinforcer

When you give your dog a treat for a job well done, you are using a primary reinforcer, which is…
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Featured image for “Training with Non-Food Reinforcers”

Training with Non-Food Reinforcers

One of the biggest objections to positive reinforcement training is the perception that it’s “all about the food.” However, while…
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