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Study Shows Dogs Prefer to Earn Their Treats
Updated March 5, 2023 | By Puppy Leaks
Ever wonder how you should be giving treats to your dog? If you make your dog perform a trick first, you might be on to something. On the other hand, if you’re just handing out treats without any effort on their part, it may be time to rethink that strategy.
It sounds a bit odd, doesn’t it? Why would anyone want to work for something when they can get it for free? Well, a study from Sweden reveals that dogs actually prefer to earn their treats.
How the Study Was Done
Dr. Ragen Mcgowan and her team at the University of Agricultural Sciences in Uppsala, Sweden, conducted this interesting study. They worked with 12 Beagles, pairing them off into six groups. In each pair, one dog learned to use three different tools, such as a lever that rings a bell, pushing objects, or playing a piano key. The other dog in the pair learned to use three different tools.
After a week, the researchers brought one of the dogs—the experimental dog—back to the room. This dog had to use the three tools they had learned within five minutes. If successful, they would get to choose between three rewards: a treat, human contact, or another dog to play with.
Meanwhile, the other dog—the control dog—entered the room but wasn’t required to complete any tasks to get a reward. They received their reward after a few minutes, no effort needed.
Both dogs switched roles several times. The researchers noted that the experimental dogs, who had to complete tasks, seemed much more excited to return to the room. They wagged their tails and eagerly lined up to use the equipment again. Conversely, the control dogs, who didn’t have to work for their rewards, were more reluctant to re-enter the room.
The Results
The researchers concluded that animals, including dogs, might feel positive emotions from their own achievements—similar to humans. The dogs in the study weren’t just excited about the reward itself; they were thrilled that they had control over earning it. This suggests that problem-solving and decision-making opportunities positively impact a dog’s overall well-being.
“Experimental dogs showed signs of excitement (tail wagging) in response to their achievements, whereas controls showed signs of frustration (chewing on the devices) in response to the unpredictability of the situation.” – Positive Affect & Learning: Exploring the “Eureka” Effect in Dogs
So next time you give your dog a treat, make them do a trick first or use a food-dispensing toy. Sure, dogs love treats, but research suggests they enjoy earning them even more.
My Thoughts on Earning Treats
I’m not a scientist, but these findings highlight the importance of adding mental stimulation to your dog’s routine. It’s easy to overlook how much of a difference a few mentally engaging activities can make in their lives.
Dogs lead pretty cushy lives these days with free housing, attention, and meals. But remember, dogs were domesticated to work alongside humans. They used to help us hunt, keep us warm at night, and alert us to danger.
While your dog might still cuddle with you and bark at any perceived dangers, they often don’t get to use their natural food-related skills like scavenging or hunting. This is where food enrichment comes in. Giving your dog a stuffed Kong or a food puzzle allows them to work for their food, tapping into their natural abilities and giving them the opportunity to solve problems.
