Food includes everything from regular dog food to soft dog treats to human food such as cheese and lunch meats.

Toys include things like rope/tug toys, balls, squeeky toys and rawhides.

People are rewards when they give attention, praise and petting. People can also give "life rewards" such as putting down the food bowl, letting the dog out the door and allowing the dog up on furniture.

Dogs can serve as huge rewards too. Especially playing with and greeting other dogs.

It is best to determine how your dog feels about all of these and use as many as they like in training. Really pay attention to how your dog reacts to the reward. A great many dogs don't like petting or the type of petting they receive from their owners. Also many dog don't like interacting with other dogs. Remember it should be a reward that YOUR dog likes - not simply what dogs traditionally like!

One last statement about rewards - variety is the spice of life, so use multiple different rewards when training. They should never know if they are getting a pat on the head, a tennis ball or a piece of steak. It will make them work harder and keep them interested and excited by training.

And that's the bark on the street!
Bark up!
Bella

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