06/27/2025
"My Dog Only Comes When I Have a Cookie!"
By Jason Lake
This is a statement I hear almost weekly—and it highlights a common misunderstanding about the use of food in dog training. So let’s talk about the difference between *bribery* and *reinforcement*.
For those new to positive reinforcement (+R) training, food can seem like a crutch or even a bribe—something the dog needs in your hand before they’ll do what you ask. But when used correctly, food is not a bribe. It’s a powerful reinforcer that strengthens the behaviors we want. That said, when used incorrectly, it absolutely *can* teach the dog to expect food every time in order to perform.
Used properly, food can be the difference between success and failure in your training program.
Bribe vs. Reinforcement: What’s the Difference?
Let’s say your dog is in the backyard, and you call them to come. But instead of responding, they keep chasing butterflies, barking at the mail carrier, or lounging in the sun pretending not to hear you. You call again—still no response. Frustrated, you raise your voice, but that doesn’t work either. So, you reach for your dog’s favorite treat (you know, the one in the crinkly bag on top of the fridge), step outside, shake the bag, and *boom*—your dog comes running.
Of course, you reward them with a treat for finally coming. But what did your dog actually learn?
1. They can ignore your first few commands.
2. If they wait long enough, the offer gets better.
3. You're the one being trained—to sweeten the deal.
Over time, this erodes your relationship and turns training into a negotiation instead of a partnership. Our goal should always be to create a harmonious bond with our dogs, where mutual trust and clear communication drive behavior—not trickery or manipulation.
So, How Do We Use Food the Right Way?
Reward-based training as we know it is relatively modern—roughly 20 to 25 years old—but its origins trace back to the U.S. Navy dolphin program. Dolphins, after all, don’t wear collars and can’t be leashed. Trainers had to motivate them using rewards, not force. The success of this method soon spread to zoos, circuses, and eventually, pet dog training.
I like to think of food as a *conduit* between the dog and me. If I’m going to use positive reinforcement, I need something the dog finds valuable. Without it, I have no way to effectively motivate the dog to learn.
I often ask my clients: *Would you go to work every day if you didn’t get a paycheck?* Most people laugh and say no—they’d quit. Dogs are no different. When I ask my dog to do something, they expect compensation. If a client tells me their dog has suddenly become stubborn or disobedient, one of my first questions is: *When was the last time you rewarded them with food?* Nine times out of ten, they admit it’s been weeks.
And here’s another scenario: your dog is chasing a squirrel. You call them, but they keep running. Is the dog being disobedient? Not really. In that moment, your dog is making a decision. One option (you) has rarely paid off. The other (the squirrel) *always* pays off with excitement and adrenaline. The chase *is* the reward.
Final Thoughts
Food is not a bribe—it’s a paycheck. When used thoughtfully and consistently, it becomes a bridge between you and your dog that builds trust, reliability, and enthusiasm. The key is timing, consistency, and understanding what truly motivates your dog. When you shift from bribing to reinforcing, you stop chasing obedience and start building cooperation.
If you want a dog that *wants* to come when called, it starts with making yourself—and the experience of working with you—worth coming back to.
