đŸ Trainer Tip Friday: Reward the Effort, Not Just the Outcome
New to Zoom Room? Click here to learn more »
Want more tips like this? Browse the full Trainer Tip Friday archive »
Training isnât about perfectionâitâs about progress. One of the most powerful ways to build your dogâs confidence is to reward their effort, not just the final result.
đŻ Celebrate Small Wins
When introducing something newâlike a wobbly Puplates inflatable, a tunnel in Agility, or even getting into the carâdonât wait for your dog to âmasterâ it before rewarding them. Instead, mark and treat those small, brave moments. Did they sniff the inflatable? Put one paw on it? Thatâs effort. Reward it.
đ Use Jackpot Moments Wisely
If your dog goes above and beyondâlike climbing fully onto an unstable surface for the first timeâthis is a great time to use a jackpot reward. This means giving 3â5 small treats in rapid succession, turning that win into a mini celebration. It creates a lasting impression and encourages your dog to try again.
đ§ Why It Works
By reinforcing trying, not just succeeding, you teach your dog that it’s safe (and fun!) to explore, experiment, and engage. This builds resilience, reduces frustration, and increases your dogâs willingness to participateâeven when something feels tricky at first.
đ¶ Real-World Tip
This technique isnât just for the training gym. Use it at home when getting your dog comfortable with grooming tools, nail trims, wearing a harnessâor anything that takes time to learn. When you reward steps along the way, you’re building trust and teamwork.
đ Want more tips like this every week?
Visit our Trainer Tip Friday Library »
đ Got questions? Call us at 719-301-9746 or email cos@zoomroom.com â weâre here to help!
𧥠Happy Training!
â The Zoom Room Colorado Springs Team
Leave a comment