The Power of Praise

By Ness Jones.

The Power of Praise

We often underestimate the power of praise, but in my opinion, it’s one of the most meaningful and impactful things you can do or say to a dog. Yes, treats are important. Yes, playing with your dog matters. But praising your dog goes so much deeper and builds a connection that goes beyond what most people realize.

Why is Praise So Important?

Praise does more than make your dog feel good—it triggers a chemical reaction in the brain that can boost their mood and strengthen the bond you share. When we praise our dogs, it releases dopamine, the “feel-good” hormone, which not only makes them feel happy but also reinforces the positive behavior we want to see. It’s like giving your dog an emotional high-five, lighting up their brain’s reward system. This boosts your dog’s confidence, strengthens their sense of trust in you, and motivates them to repeat the behavior.

Now, let’s see it in action! Ask your dog to do something simple, like a sit, and reward them with a treat. Then, ask them to do the same thing, but this time tell them they’re the best dog ever—and really mean it! You might see their eyes light up, their body wiggle with excitement, and a burst of pride and happiness radiate from them. That’s the magic of praise. It’s the connection, the joy, and the bond that forms when you make your dog feel truly seen and valued.

The Power of Meaningful Praise

I’ve noticed that many caregivers say “good dog” in a way that’s a bit like asking for a loaf of bread at the bakery—it’s almost automatic, without any real feeling behind it. But dogs are intuitive creatures; they can tell if you’re saying it because you mean it or just because you feel like you should. And believe me, they can tell the difference!

Instead of just going through the motions, take a moment to actually mean what you say. When you give praise with genuine enthusiasm, it can light up your dog’s world. I’ve seen it countless times—people giving their dog a half-hearted “good dog” that doesn’t really resonate, and the dog responds with indifference. When praise is heartfelt and full of meaning, it’s a game-changer for both you and your dog.

And praise is something you can take with you wherever you go. When I teach caregivers how to get their dog to walk nicely on a leash, we often use treats. Inevitably, someone will ask, “Do I really have to carry treats with me forever?” My response is simple: “Why wouldn’t you?” But, of course, there are times when you won’t have treats with you for one reason or another. And that’s when your voice can really shine.

Imagine This Scenario

Think about a time you worked really hard on something. Maybe at work, you stayed late, gave your best effort, and finally nailed a big project. Now, imagine the only time your boss acknowledges you is when you make a mistake. They never thank you for your effort, never praise your success—just focus on what went wrong. That’s a pretty demotivating experience, right?

Now, picture this: your boss stands in front of the whole team and says, “This is the person who made this project a success. They pushed us forward and made sure we’re all on track for a big reward at the end of the year. They’re our employee of the month!” That recognition? It would make you want to work even harder, right? You’d feel appreciated and motivated to do even better.

Now, imagine your dog receiving that level of praise. They’ll want to work harder, listen better, and continue making you proud. But if all they hear are corrections and negativity, they won’t feel motivated to put in their best effort.

Dogs, much like children, crave attention and validation. Just like a child wants their parent to watch them score a goal, swim to the other side of the pool, or climb to the top of the slide, your dog wants to feel acknowledged for their good behavior. The more invested and excited you are in their achievements, the more they will strive to impress you.

So, really, what’s not to love about offering praise to our dogs? It’s an easy, powerful tool that not only builds connection but also boosts their happiness and well-being. And let’s face it—there’s nothing more rewarding than seeing your dog light up with joy because they know that you know, they are the best dog in the world!

Ness Jones is a Canine Behavior Consultant with multiple qualifications. She specializes in separation-related behaviors and works remotely with clients around the world. She is a sought-after international speaker. https://www.nessjones.com/