Using dog treats for training can be a highly controversial subject among dog trainers. Some trainers believe that you are spoiling your dog and others believe it’s a scientific principle to be followed like a law. And the truth is both sides are right. To say that one method is better than another is limiting your training options.
Like any training tool, treats must be used correctly in order to see progress in your training program. You could spoil your dog with or without using food. If you are not consistent with food delivery or if you allow the dog to steal the food out of your hands, you will encourage unwanted behaviors. If you are inconsistent with praise and scolding you will have the same problem.
Below are some of the most common arguments for using or not using treats.
Pros
Cons
Treats are a reward for learning. Once the behavior or exercise is learned, the treats are no longer needed. In my opinion when treats are used as a tool with other methods they speed up the learning process.
I
recommend having multiple choices for rewarding your dog. Examples of
non-food based rewards are verbal praise, fetch, or petting. For
rewards to be effective, what motivates each dog should be taken into
consideration.
Are dog treats the best or worst way to train your dog? Are they good for training some behaviors but not others?
Tell us what you think about using dog treats. Love them...Hate them? Or are they just another tool in your toolbox?
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