“He’s Only Doing It for the Food”: Why That’s Not a Problem (It’s the Whole Point)
- Deb from Busy Pawz
- 13 minutes ago
- 3 min read
We’ve all heard it.
“Oh, she only comes back because you’ve got food.”
“He’s just sitting because you bribed him.”
“They’re only doing it for the treat.”
Yep. That’s exactly right. It means we’ve found something he values and motivation drives behaviour.
Whether we’re talking about horses, dogs, or humans, all of us are more likely to repeat behaviours that lead to good outcomes. And we avoid things that lead to unpleasant ones.
That’s not bribery. That’s smart, relationship-based training.
Behaviour Doesn’t Just Happen in a Vacuum
Dogs - just like us - are driven by consequences. That’s how learning works.
When something good follows a behaviour, dogs are more likely to repeat it. When something uncomfortable or scary follows a behaviour, they’ll try to avoid repeating it.
Simple, right?
And yet somewhere along the way, humans got a bit caught up in the idea that dogs should do things “just because.” Just because we said so. Just because they should. Just because we’re the humans and they’re the dogs.
But dogs don’t learn from “just because.” They learn from what happens next and that’s what shapes their behaviour.
Mutual Benefit Builds Stronger Bonds
Let’s be honest - if your boss expected you to work without a paycheque, “just because they’re in charge,” you wouldn’t be sticking around very long. The same goes for our dogs.
A reliable sit, a calm walk, a speedy recall aren’t things that come for free. They come when we make it worthwhile. And food happens to be a really good way of doing that.
It’s not the only way. Some dogs also love play, touch, toys, movement, praise, or access to things they want. But food is easy, it’s motivating, and it helps create a positive emotional association with you and the training environment.
Relationships are built through shared experiences, mutual enjoyment, and fair exchanges. Not through demands and dominance.
“I Want Them to Do It Because They Love Me”
Of course we want our dogs to enjoy being with us. But affection doesn’t replace motivation. It’s not either/or.
If your dog learns that hanging out with you leads to fun, treats, safety, play, calmness, connection - they will start to seek out your company more. They’ll offer behaviours willingly, not just for the treat, but because the whole experience has become rewarding.
That’s classical conditioning doing its quiet magic in the background!
A Partnership, Not a Power Struggle
Real progress doesn’t come from forcing dogs into compliance. It comes from inviting them into cooperation.
We can build relationships with our dogs the same way we build relationships with humans - through give and take, listening, offering choices, and making things enjoyable. That’s what makes training feel good for both ends of the lead.
Our dogs shouldn’t have to suppress frustration or fear just to keep us happy. They shouldn’t be expected to obey because “that’s their job.” They’re not robots. They’re sentient, emotionally intelligent beings and they deserve training that reflects that.
What Starts with Food Often Grows Into So Much More
Food is a brilliant entry point. But it’s rarely where things end.
Over time, you’ll find your dog offers behaviours even without the visible reward. That’s not because they’ve stopped needing reinforcement - it’s because the training itself has become reinforcing. Your presence, the pattern and the shared experience start to carry value.
And yes, you’ll still want to reinforce behaviours to keep them strong (even we need our paycheques, right?). But you’ll see your dog choosing to work with you. Not out of fear. Not out of pressure. But out of connection.
And if you ask me, that’s what it’s all about.
Final Thoughts
So the next time someone says, “They’re just doing it for the food,” smile and say,
“Exactly.”
Because that means your dog is learning through choice, trust, and reward not because they’re afraid of what happens if they don’t.
Training through positive reinforcement doesn’t just shape behaviour. It builds relationships.
And that relationship is the real reward
🐶 Ready to Build a Stronger Bond Through Kind, Motivating Training?
Whether you're just starting out or want to strengthen your training foundation, we’ve got your back. My Chaos to Calm eBook is a great place to begin - or if you’re ready for more personalised help, reach out and let’s talk about how we can support your dog’s unique journey.
👉 Download the Chaos to Calm eBook
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Thanks for reading!
And as always, throw your dog a treat from us!
Deb & the Busy Pawz Crew xo
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