Caro
Moderator
I can see the point. I used to treat my pups when they came back after chasing a car or bike. But they pretty quickly cottoned on that the treat involved going away (or chasing) first and then coming back, so all I was doing was rewarding the bad behaviour. These are a smart breed after all. When I saw the vet behaviourist she also said rewarding Deska when he came back after chasing a car was the worst thing I could do. He is pumped up by adrelin from running and still thinking about the chase, then I give him a reward! I might be thinking about his coming back but he is still thinking about the running away part.
When they are pups and you treat for coming back they are learning a new behaviour. But I have been told you dont treat for them doing a behaviour they know well (do you still treat when they sit when told?) otherwise you are setting them up to expect rewards whenever you give an instruction.
I agree with Shelli, no punishment for returning though.
When they are pups and you treat for coming back they are learning a new behaviour. But I have been told you dont treat for them doing a behaviour they know well (do you still treat when they sit when told?) otherwise you are setting them up to expect rewards whenever you give an instruction.
I agree with Shelli, no punishment for returning though.