Quote:
Originally Posted by james1
I dont really get all this running off being self rewarding bit, it is only self rewarding if you make it so,
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Dogs do stuff all day long that is self-rewarding, they don't need humans to find doing stuff rewarding
I would imagine that the OP's dog finds it very rewarding to run off and find something to sniff, or play with etc.
Dogs are learning 24/7 (well except when asleep), so yes it's to be expected that a lot of stuff they do is self-rewarding, or rather self-reinforcing.
For example, the OP's dog may be running off because it's picked up a scent of something and would find it fun to chase. Running off and finding that something is rewarding to the dog. The pursuit itself is rewarding.
This is why it's important for owners to make themselves interesting and fun out on off-leash walks. Play games, keep the dogs focus. Especially at 7 months.