Use of food in training and partnerships

Using food from your dog's daily allowance is an important way of building trust and communication with your guide dog. Read on to learn why using food as a reward is so effective, and how to use it appropriately.

The importance of using food in training

During the initial months of working with your guide dog, it's crucial to establish a strong relationship. Using positive reinforcement in the form of rewards, including tasty food, is an excellent way to build that special connection. Our expert trainers will advise you how to do this effectively.

While we recognise the importance of rewarding desired behaviour when dogs are learning, we're also committed to reducing your need to use lots of food rewards as your dog becomes more skilled in their work. So, as they progress, we'll explore alternative methods to help you maintain a balanced training approach that keeps their tails wagging with joy without piling on the pounds!

Using food as a positive reinforcement training reward

Positive reinforcement is a training approach that involves rewarding your dog for desired behaviour. By linking food rewards to desired behaviour, we can reinforce those behaviours, so they are repeated in the future.

Consistency and timeliness are key when using food rewards for training. Giving the food reward immediately after your dog performs the desired behaviour is important. This helps your dog understand what behaviour is desired and that the reward directly results from this.

Continuing to use food rewards throughout your guide dog partnership will result in your dog becoming more skilled in their work over time. You will be taught appropriate food training techniques by your Guide Dog Mobility Specialist, but if you have any questions don’t hesitate to get in touch with Guide Line.

How to teach your guide dog to value praise

When you start working with your guide dog, you'll be using a lot of food to reward desired behaviour. You‘ll be taught how to use a marker like a click, or a word like ‘yep’, before rewarding your dog. This will help your dog understand what behaviour is being rewarded.

Does using food in training encourage dogs to beg for food?

The view on using food in dog training has changed. There was a concern in the past that using food rewards in training could lead to dogs developing undesired behaviours. However, we now have a much better understanding of animal learning and the practical techniques necessary to use food without creating such problems.

We know that dogs naturally tend to forage for food. However, using food in training can be very effective and beneficial if done correctly, as it reinforces desired behaviour and helps dogs learn and focus during training sessions. By focusing on the desired behaviours and using food rewards correctly, you can positively shape their behaviour without encouraging begging for food.

What to do if your dog isn't motivated by food

While food is an excellent motivator for many dogs, there are some dogs who prefer other rewards! If this is the case with your dog, finding other rewards that your dog finds enjoyable is essential in order to strengthen your training and partnership.

Verbal praise is often an effective option. For some dogs, hearing praise and encouragement can be just as rewarding as receiving food. You can also use physical touch, such as petting or giving your dog a scratch behind the ears (if they enjoy this), as a reward.

Another option is to use toys and activities as a reward. Some dogs are highly motivated by play and enjoy a game of fetch or tug-of-war. You can also use a favourite toy or a trip to the dog park as a reward for a job well done.