20. “Treats Are Great. But Your Voice When I’m Good Is Better.”
You probably reach for a treat when your dog does something right. But it might not be the most powerful reward. Brain scans show that verbal praise from an owner activates the same reward areas as food in a dog’s brain.
For some dogs, praise activates them more strongly than treats. Your “good boy!” or “good girl!” — said with warmth — is a treat in itself. So when your dog gets it right, let your voice celebrate. They live for that sound. It is also free, calorie-free, and never runs out. The next ones go a little deeper.