Study Finds Dogs Learn More Efficiently When Rewarded with 2 Specific Things
A new study finds that if you're trying to help your dog learn something more efficiently, there are two better rewards than giving them a treat.
On June 6, 2024, Phys.org reported on a new study that shows that if you want dogs to learn new tricks or skills, there are better ways to reward them than just with food. Here's what the study found.
In April 2024, the Department of Ethology at ELTE Eötvös Loránd University published in Scientific Reports a study showing that dogs learn better when they are given pets and praise for good performance.
In the study, 24 dogs were included, each between 1 and 9 years old, from 11 different breeds and six mutts, with 11 males and 13 females. Using a unique methodology, the dog trainers were working to teach new command words for tricks the dogs knew already.
Each dog was then given two training sessions, one of which involved a lot of petting and praise in addition to a treat. The trainers never scolded the dogs.
The dogs received a more controlling teaching method in the second training session. This method did not include praise or pets, but it did include scolding for wrong behavior, and it only rewarded the dog with a treat.
"Our results indicated that regardless of condition, learning performance was better during the first training session, suggesting that dogs’ success during the second session was influenced by proactive interference," the study shares.
"Dogs that experienced a more rewarding situation than expected during the second training session showed improved learning success."
According to Phys.org, these results "highlight the important role that social reinforcement (praise, petting) plays in dogs' well-being and learning success." They also feel that this study shows that "lack of social reinforcement or scolding can cause stress for dogs, especially if they are being taught by a trainer, and this should be taken into account when choosing teaching methods."
How to Teach Your Dog a New Trick
According to Dogster, there are some pretty simple steps to follow if you want to help your dog learn new tricks. Starting with the basics will help them grow their understanding.
"Many dog tricks begin with foundational commands like 'sit,' 'down,' and 'stay,'" the site explains. "You should teach these tricks and ensure your dog has them down pat before having them try to shake hands, roll over, or do any other fun trick. When the basics are well-established, you can use them to get your dog into a position to learn a new move."
From there, that's when you introduce the treats and praises and pets for good behavior and gentle redirection for behavior that wasn't the desired outcome. Then you repeat, getting in longer training sessions, and add a verbal cue. Then it's just practice, practice, practice.
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