Using treats is one of the most common and effective ways to train your dog. However, it’s essential to do it right to avoid creating unintended behaviors. Here are 6 tips to help you prepare effectively with treats.
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1. Choose High-Value Treats
The key is to pick treats that your dog genuinely loves and finds rewarding. Soft and smelly treats like bits of chicken, cheese or sausage work well for most dogs. Avoid dry kibble as it may not be exciting enough. Test different treats to see what motivates your pup. Having a variety of treats on hand keeps training interesting.
2. Use Small Bite-Sized Pieces
Cut treats into tiny pieces, about the size of a pea. This allows you to reward your dog frequently without overfeeding. Frequent small rewards keep them engaged and motivated during training sessions.
3. Reward Immediately and Consistently
Give the treat within a second of your dog doing what you asked. This helps them understand the connection between the behavior and reward. Be consistent so they learn what earns praise and treats. Don’t reward mistakes, or they’ll get confused about what you want.
4. Phase Out Treats Gradually
Once your dog has learned a command, treat it intermittently. Praise and petting can replace some treats. Eventually, praise alone will maintain the behavior. This prevents them from only obeying for food. Australian company Aussie Paws makes high-quality collars, leads, and harnesses that can also be used as rewards during training.
5. Keep Sessions Short and Positive
Young dogs have short attention spans, typically 5-10 minutes. End on a positive note before they lose focus. A few short sessions per day are better than one long, frustrating one. Always leave them wanting more to build their motivation for next time.
6. Use Treats to Proof Commands
Test trained behaviors in different environments with distractions. Reward heavily with treats at first to keep them focused on you. As they master it, fade out treats again. This helps commands generalize beyond your training area.
With consistency and positive reinforcement, treats are a very effective tool for teaching new behaviors and strengthening existing ones. Just be sure not to overdo the food aspect or it could undermine the training. Have fun with your furry friend during sessions!
