When we think about reinforcement in dog training, we usually picture treats, toys, or praise. But did you know that reinforcement isn’t limited to what we hand over? In fact, one of the most powerful tools in your training toolbox is something you might already be seeing every day: what your dog naturally wants to do.
This idea is backed by the Premack Principle, which tells us that a more probable behaviour can reinforce a less probable one. In plain English? What your dog wants to do can become the reward for what you need them to do.
Let me give you an example.
My four Border Collies know how to lie down calmly even when they’re buzzing with energy and surrounded by their favourite distractions: each other. No food, no toys involved. What reinforces their calm behaviour is the ultimate reward in their world: the chance to run, chase, and play together.
They’re not lying down because they’re scared or pressured. They’re doing it because they’ve learned something really important: holding that down gets them what they want.
But here’s the truth—this didn’t happen overnight.
It took thoughtful, layered training. Here’s how I built it:
- Start simple – I taught the lie down on its own, with calm, consistent practice.
- Reinforce the basics – I rewarded it when they were relaxed and not distracted, so it became a habit.
- Add excitement carefully – I introduced toys, movement, and play after the behaviour was solid.
- Proof it in real life – We practised the down in lots of environments, not just at home or in the training field.
- Blend it into the group – I added one dog at a time, removing leads slowly and always reinforcing calm behaviour.
Now it’s second nature. My dogs lie down, they stay there, and they know that doing so unlocks what they love most: freedom to play.
That’s the power of real-life rewards and why understanding what motivates your dog is more important than any training treat on the market.
If you know what makes your Border Collie tick, you can use that to build behaviours that really last. You’re not bribing them. You’re speaking their language.
Curious to learn more about how your Border Collie sees the world, what drives their behaviour, and how to build impulse control that actually sticks?
Send me an email (info@thatlldoacademy.com) or consider joining my online membership, the Collie Club
