It is definitely possible to train a dog with toys if you start very early," said the lead researcher from the University of Florida. "This is what we do with search and rescue dogs, we start very early with toys as reinforcers."
A University of Florida study found that nine out of ten dogs preferred food over toys in a training simulation. The study was conducted with ten pet dogs, with each dog being allowed to choose its favorite food and toy. In further tests, dogs gave up sooner when trying to get a toy as a reward than a tasty reward. The research suggests that while toys can be effective training tools, food remains the most compelling reward for most dogs.
The details of the experiment
The researchers recruited 10 pet dogs from the residents of the area where the campus is located. the local Each dog was presented with 6 food items - including cheese, carrots and sausages - and 6 toys, such as a tennis ball, a barking toy, a plastic bone or a stuffed animal. Each dog then had a chance to choose their favorite food and toy.
In another series of experiments, the dogs had to work harder and harder for their reward. Most dogs gave up sooner when offered a preferred toy reward than when given their preferred food.
Comparing preferences
Other studies have shown that dogs may prefer human attention over food.
"I think the next study should look at the three things - attention, food and toys - and what dogs really like more during training," said Nicole Dury, a lecturer in the Department of Psychology at the University of Florida, who conducted the study with her students and other partners.
You can definitely train a dog with toys if you start very early," Dori said. "This is what we do with search and rescue dogs, we start very early with toys as reinforcers."
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