Or can we make the majority of them far more enjoyable by using even what can be considered extrinsic rewards as an integral part of the training exercise and not just something added on at the end. The reward is then the exercise and the training session, which when additionally reinforced through praise and recognition of a job well done, develops the dog much quicker. In addition the bond between trainer and dog will also grow at an increased rate. In training dogs which have working backgrounds such as field dogs, who have been bred for their natural ability and instincts, the reward process becomes part of the training . The intrinsic reward and recognition through praise drives home the pleasure of doing the job and reinforces the action.
Many dogs enjoy retrieving, chasing, or just carrying.
With creative training exercises, one or all of these extrinsic rewards can be built into a training program and dependent upon the dog, the trainer will find one that works better than the others. Once one reward is found to work, then other training exercises can be made enjoyable simply by chaining the training exercises together and channelling the behavior you want towards finally obtaining the reward. Set the dog up for success Think through a training exercise and do it so the dog succeeds. With structured training an extrinsic reward in the form of a fun bumper or playing ball afterwards, may not only be unnecessary, some dogs do not want or need it. If you think through what you want to achieve you will be able to create ideas to control the dog and get the results because the dog cannot do it any way but correctly.