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Lures, Bribes, and Rewards. What's the Difference?

What is a bribe?

A bribe is something offered in hopes of getting what you want. A good example is when you are trying to get your dog to come to you and you say, “I’ll give you treat” and you wave it in the air. Bribing always rewards inaction and inattention. If you have asked your dog to do something, like come, and he fails to do it, the worst thing you can do at that moment is offer him a treat. This is paying your dog for refusing to listen. Your dog will quickly start to wait and see what is being offered before listening. Don’t bribe!


What if my dog doesn’t listen and I’m tempted to bribe?