Imagine starting a new job with no training and only told when you do something wrong. How motivated will you be to try anything the next day? Or working hard to learn your job, and once you do they stop paying you. How long are you going to continue showing up for that job? As dog owners it’s our job to be good team leaders and teach our dogs how to successfully navigate through the world. Set your dog up for success by discovering the things they love and use them as a reward for behaviors you like. Keep in mind that only your dog decides what is reinforcing to them. This might include things you wouldn’t even think are reinforcing. For example, your dog jumps, you tell them “off” and push them down thinking they understand this is bad. Many dogs will actually see that as “I got your attention”, or even an invitation to play. Dog’s repeat behaviors that get them what they want. Decide what you would like your dog to do in a situation and start training. Show them they have the opportunity to earn everything they love through you!