Motivating Your Dog 101: Types of Rewards and Training Secrets

Keeping your dog engaged and eager to learn can sometimes feel like a challenge. Motivating your dog effectively not only enhances their training experience but also strengthens the bond you share. This post will walk you through the different types of motivators, how to build value in rewards, what to do if your dog isn’t food motivated, and how to keep training both fun and effective. Let’s dive in!

Types of Motivators

When it comes to motivating dogs, understanding their individual preferences is key. Dogs, much like humans, have varied tastes and interests. Here are some common motivators that you can use to engage your furry friend:

Food Rewards

Food is one of the most common and effective motivators for dogs. From tiny treats to pieces of their favorite kibble, food can be a powerful reward when used correctly. The key is finding what your dog loves most, some may go wild for cheese, while others work just as hard for a crunchy biscuit. Keep portions small and use high-value treats (the REALLY tasty stuff) for more challenging tasks or distractions.

Pro Tip: Switch up treats to keep things fresh and exciting. Some dogs get bored with the same old snacks!

Toys and Playtime

Does your dog light up at the sight of a tennis ball? Tug-of-war, fetch, bite toys, or even a quick game of chase can be a strong motivator for play-driven dogs. Using toys or short play sessions as a reward channels their energy in a positive way and builds engagement.

Pro Tip: Having a special training toy that your dog only gets during sessions can dramatically boost excitement and focus. To keep that toy valuable, store it away when you're not actively training, if it's always available, it stops feeling special and motivating.

Praise and Affection

Some dogs thrive on praise, pets, and hearing "good dog!" in your happiest voice. Affection can be a great motivator especially for more sensitive or people-oriented pups. While it may not always compete with a squirrel or steak, when used at the right moment, it strengthens your bond and reinforces good behavior.

Pro Tip: Use your body language and tone to make your praise meaningful. Your dog knows when you're just going through the motions!

Unexpected Motivators

Not all rewards are tangible. Sometimes, the best motivator is an opportunity. Does your dog LOVE to sniff on walks? Use that as a reward! Give them a quick “go sniff” after a heel command. Water-loving dogs might enjoy a splash as a reward after working hard. Other motivators include getting to greet a dog friend, hopping into the car, or being let off leash in a safe area.

Pro Tip: Watch your dog closely to learn what excites them. The things they naturally gravitate toward can often be used to your advantage.

Finding What Works for Your Dog

The key to great training is finding what truly motivates your dog and using it strategically. Don’t be afraid to experiment and combine different types of rewards. What works in your living room might not cut it at the park—so keep a variety of motivators in your toolbox.

Building Value in Rewards

Not all rewards are created equal—and even your dog’s favorite treat or toy can lose its magic if it’s always available. To keep your motivators effective, you need to build and maintain their value.

This means making special rewards special. If your dog has access to a certain toy all day long, it won’t be nearly as exciting when it comes out during training. But if that toy only appears when it’s time to work, it becomes a high-value reward your dog is eager to earn. Try storing your top-tier toys and treats out of sight when not in use. This helps keep them exciting and reinforces their role as something your dog earns through training.

The same goes for treats. Reserve your tastiest, highest-value treats (like bits of cheese, chicken, or liver) for more difficult tasks, new environments, or high-distraction areas. Use lower-value treats for easier exercises or warm-ups.

By being intentional about how and when you use rewards, you increase your dog’s motivation to focus and engage. The result? Faster progress, better behavior, and a dog who’s excited to work with you.

A happy dog wanting to receive a belly run for a reward

What to Do If Your Dog Isn't Food Motivated

Not every dog is a foodie and that’s okay! While food is one of the most common training tools, it’s far from the only option. If your dog turns up their nose at treats, it doesn’t mean they can’t be trained. It just means you need to think creatively and find what does light them up.

First, make sure your dog actually isn’t food-motivated. Some dogs are simply too full, too distracted, or not interested in the treat being offered. Try training before meals or using higher-value food items like freeze-dried liver, cooked chicken, or cheese. Soft, smelly, and easy-to-eat treats usually work better than dry biscuits.

If food still doesn’t spark excitement, try tapping into other motivators:

• Toys and Play: Is your dog obsessed with a stuffed squeaky toy, game of tug-of-war or fetch? Use a short play session as a reward between reps.

• Praise and Affection: Some dogs thrive on attention and verbal encouragement. A belly rub for a dog who is praise motivated can go a long way.

• Freedom or Access: Letting your dog sniff, run, or greet a friend can be a powerful incentive.

Every dog is motivated by something. The key is to observe what your dog naturally enjoys and use that to your advantage. Training isn’t about forcing your dog to work for something they don’t want; it’s about discovering what matters to them and using it to build better behavior.

Keeping Training Fun and Effective

Training shouldn’t feel like a chore for you or your dog! The more enjoyable your sessions are, the faster your dog will learn and the more motivated they’ll be to keep trying. Here’s how to keep things fresh, fun, and productive.

Keep Sessions Short and Sweet

Dogs (especially puppies) have short attention spans. Aim for 5–15 minute sessions, depending on your dog’s age and focus level. End on a high note even if that means stopping after a small success. Doing multiple short sessions, a day are more effective than one long one.

Celebrate Small Wins

You don’t need to master the whole behavior in one go. Reward progress and effort. If your dog offered better focus today than yesterday, that’s a win! Building skills step-by-step keeps your dog engaged and helps prevent frustration.

Know When to Stop

If your dog is getting frustrated, overexcited, or distracted, it’s okay to pause. A short break or a change of pace (like switching to play or an easier behavior) can reset the energy and help you end on a positive note.

Make It a Game

Training is more fun when it feels like play! Use upbeat body language, encouraging tones, and even movement to keep your dog interested. Turn recall practice into a game of chase or build engagement with a game of “find it.”

Conclusion

Motivating your dog may take some time and experimentation, but it is undoubtedly worth the effort. By understanding different types of motivators, building value in rewards, and making training fun and effective, you can cultivate a positive learning environment. Remember, each dog is unique and may respond differently to various motivators and methods. Keep exploring what works best for your furry friend, and you'll find the training journey to be as rewarding as the outcome! Happy training!