IN THIS ISSUE

ISSUE # 191  June 2026

TRAIN MY DOG: Rewards | List Of Motivators And Rewards For Dogs | What are your dog’s motivators or rewards?

Recent Pics: May 2026 Photos

Calendar: Classes and Events Schedule

SPOTLIGHT ON MOTIVATORS AND REWARDS

Every dog is motivated by something — but many owners struggle to understand what truly drives their dog’s behavior. In this issue, we explore how understanding motivators and rewards can dramatically improve training, build confidence, reduce problem behaviors, and strengthen your relationship with your dog.

• Rewards are far more than treats. For many dogs, motivators include movement, play, sniffing, chasing, freedom, social interaction, environmental access, toys, water, exploration, and even distance from stressful situations.
• The “value” of a reward changes with the environment. A dog that loves treats at home may completely ignore them around other dogs, wildlife, visitors, or exciting environments. Training success often depends on matching the reward to the moment.
• Many behavior problems are directly tied to motivation. Pulling on leash, barking, jumping, resource guarding, reactivity, and overexcitement often improve when owners better understand what the dog is trying to gain, avoid, or communicate.
• High arousal changes learning. Once a dog becomes overstimulated, fearful, frustrated, or hyper-focused, even great rewards may lose value. Learning how to work below your dog’s threshold is one of the keys to successful training.
• Relationship-building creates better motivation. Dogs that feel safe and understood are more engaged in training and more likely to look to their owners for guidance during stressful or exciting situations.
• Your challenge this month: Make a list of 20 things your dog truly enjoys. Use our master list found here. Determine which of those you can use as rewards and then start using them intentionally in everyday life and training. You may discover your dog is motivated by far more than food alone.

Upcoming Classes in Highlands Ranch

Our Saturday & Tuesday evening classes are held outdoors at various locations, typically within close proximity to Santa Fe and C-470.

• Polite Pooches in Public: Saturdays, 5:30 pm, new class 6/20
  · Juvenile Delinquents: Tuesdays, 6:00 pm, new class 6/9

Upcoming Classes at The Light of Dog Farm

• Puppy Preschool:  Sundays 1:15 pm, rolling enrollment
• Basic Training: Sundays, 2:30 pm, new class 6/7 & 8/2
• Juvenile Delinquents:  Sundays 3:45 pm, new class 6/7 & 8/2
• Intermediate:  Sundays 12:00 pm, new class 7/19 & 9/13
• Distracted Dogs:  Sundays 10:45 am, new class 6/7

Click here for our complete group class & events schedule with available spaces.