02/11/2024
💷Work Hard, P(l)AY Hard: How to Motivate Your Scentwork Dog 💷
When it comes to scentwork, it’s easy to focus on the thrill of your dog making a successful find. But what does “success” mean to your dog?
Imagine this: your dog finds the scent, you’re thrilled, and eager for feedback from your instructor. You offer a quick “good boy,” a pat on the head, maybe even a bit of dusty kibble from your pocket, before shifting your attention back. Meanwhile, your dog might be left thinking, “Is that it?”
Just like us, dogs expect fair reward for their work. If we want them to stay motivated, we need to give them a reason to keep working hard.
💷What's in it for Them?💷
Dogs, like people, need a reason to give their best effort. Sure, scentwork can be enjoyable, but if we want them to search for a scent that doesn’t naturally draw them in, there needs to be something in it for them. This is where reinforcement comes in: the reward for finding the target scent should be something truly enticing. If the reward doesn’t match the effort, your dog might just decide it isn’t worth it.
💷A Human Perspective💷
Think of it this way: if your boss asked you to work late with no extra pay, would you be motivated? Probably not. But if they offered you double time, suddenly staying late doesn’t seem so bad. So, when your dog makes a successful find, rather than a quick pat or bit of kibble, go for something they really value – a high-value treat or favourite toy, for example.
💷Finding the Right Reward💷
Every dog is motivated differently. Some are highly food-driven and would work all day for cheese, while others might ignore food but get excited for a squeaky toy or game of tug. The key is to know what really motivates the dog in front of you. If it’s food, choose something special: squeezy cheese, hot dogs, or cat food, for example. If your dog loves play, then a quick tug session might be perfect. Even affection can be a reward, but only if your dog genuinely enjoys that type of attention.
💷The Bottom Line?💷
When your dog makes a find, it’s party time! They’ve done what you asked, so celebrate with them in a way they’ll truly enjoy. Understanding what makes your dog tick will help you give them the reward they want, keeping their motivation high. It’s the difference between a dog thinking, “Why bother?” and one that’s eager to go every time you start scentwork.
So, next time you’re working with your dog, ask yourself: if I were in their paws, would I be happy with the pay? If not, it’s time to offer a bit more!
