The Cue-Response-Reward System is a simple and effective way to teach your pet self-control, reinforce specific behaviors, and build trust. The method consists of three steps: you give a cue, your pet responds with the desired behavior, and then you provide a reward. These techniques are known as “sit and say please,” “learn to earn,” or “nothing in life is free,” and even though the underlying theory is slightly different, they share a common structure.
If your pet is not performing the requested behaviors, simply ignore them and try again later. This approach removes any stress or confrontation from the interaction. If your pet is unwilling or unable to respond - whether due to stress, fear or disinterest - there are no negative consequences; they can simply walk away. This predictability fosters trust and encourages quicker responses to cues over time, as pets learn that cooperation always leads to positive outcomes without fear of punishment.
The key to success is to use rewards that your pet actually enjoys, which can vary from person to person. Food is often effective, but some pets may prefer petting, playing with toys, or even verbal praise and eye contact. If your pet doesn't like to be petted, avoid using petting as a reward. Instead, focus on what they find motivating and rewarding.
To strengthen this bond, it's important to ignore attention-seeking behaviors and avoid random, unstructured interactions. For example, do not pet or talk to your pet when they approach you without prompting. When your pet approaches, one of three things can happen: 1) They get what they want, such as petting or food;
2) They are ignored, resulting in a neutral interaction;
3) They experience something negative, such as being told “no” or being pushed away. For some pets, even negative attention can reinforce their behavior if attention is their ultimate goal.
By ignoring attention-seeking and making sure you initiate all interactions, you can create consistent and positive patterns. Your pet will understand what to expect, which increases their trust in you and their willingness to engage in the desired behavior.