Both. What happens AFTER a dog takes a treat is a better motivator of interest and engagement.
How quickly they turn back to that interest or want to be engaged with you.
Then you can literally ask if they want to do something else.
If they stay focused on that distraction, food wasn't the motivator.
You really aren't either.
Not all dogs are going to STAY food motivated.
Some take treats, but aren't motivated by the food. (I'm using PureBites Freeze Dried Beef Liver).
They can be motivated by their environment and just SEEKING information.
This is 100% natural!!!
This is choice.
Trying to redirect then from this will make them want to do it more.
Letting them gather information and process it the way the brain is designed, helps you and your relationship with your dog in the long term.
Then there's interaction and engagement as a motivator when they are in a good mood.
Food isn't a motivator, but interaction is.
This motivation is what is more important to them.
It's the connection.
Showing interest in them.
Watch Wiley be more interested and engaged as I play his way, instead of mine.
A natural motivator and game for dogs is chase.
Especially if they can and are willing to go away from you.
That's an important factor when gauging how safe they feel.
Taking treats during distractions isn't a great measure of engagement or interest.
What happens AFTER they take a treat is.
Scott Stauffer
530.917.6712
Your Bay Area K9 Life Coach
Dogtraining2nd2no1@yahoo.com
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