I’m constantly amazed at how frequently I hear this statement:  “Yes he’s doing it, but he’s only doing it for the food.” To which I respond in my head, “Hmm I wonder what my husband would have to pay me to sit, lie down and walk directly beside him every time he asked me to.  I bet it would cost a lot more than a few tiny pieces of hot dog.  And I really love him!” I love my job, but I don’t think I’d survive for very long if I did it for free.  Food is cheap pay.  And dog food is really cheap pay – relatively speaking. 

Many people distribute their dog’s pay for absolutely nothing.  How many of you put down a bowl of food in the morning and a bowl of food in the evening for free?  I know I do on many evenings.  Some people put down the food for free when the dog isn’t even looking.  Food stays out all day long as if there is a fountain of food flowing from the bowl in the kitchen.  Don’t snub the value of food for a dog – take advantage of it! 

If you want your dog to sit quickly every time you ask, or walk by your side while on leash, or come running to you when you call – pay him…in little pieces of his regular food.  Put part of his breakfast in a bowl, and the rest in your pocket.  Then give him a piece every time he looks at you throughout the day.  Give him a piece when he comes running to you.  Give him a piece when he sits.  Give him a piece when he gets off the sofa.  Give him pieces of his food throughout the day for all kinds of things he does well and watch him learn to really love you.

Today’s blog author is Marie Tripton. Marie is the senior behavior/training specialist at the Richmond SPCA. Call the Behavior Helpline at (804) 643-SPCA.

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