Pippa questioned in a reply to me if my dog was being bribed or rewarded. I have searched the history to get a definition to make sure I'm on the right track, but the article she had written seems to have been moved. Could someone either link it or explain, in words of a syllable, and maybe how to avoid the bribing? Thanks Graham
Re: Bribe or reward I am not sure which article you are referring to so can't help with that. To make sure my food rewards don't turn into bribes I use lures very sparingly at the beginning of training a new behaviour, on average I just use lures about three times. After t hat the food is no longer visual, i.e. it is hidden I'm my pocket or a bag on my back. If your dog will only offer a trained behaviour when your hand moves to the pocket with food rather than on your cue, then the food has become a bribe rather than a reward.
Re: Bribe or reward Thank you, that is how I assumed it was taken. Ie he will sit or lay or what ever without knowing you have food. I'm pretty sure we are ok as he doesnt always get treats, but I will have to make totally sure I don't make any visual 'tells' If I turns out I do somehow show him he will be treated how do I rectify it? Thanks Graham
Re: Bribe or reward Have you read this one, Graham? http://www.thelabradorsite.com/?p=3392 This is the one in which Pippa explains how rewarding with a treat every time becomes a bribe. Clare