Training With Dog Treats
It’s true we would all work a little harder if we know there’s a nice reward for the extra effort – be it Special Recognition or the Big Bonus! Well, dogs need that too! That is: A strong motivator to become a well-trained dog. The answer is, of course Dog Treats!
1) The treats you choose should be small, soft, and easy to consume for your dog.
2) Your dog should loooooove them dearly to go the extra mile for you during the training session.
Once you have chosen a great tasting dog treat, find an area that is free of outside distractions.(Away from people, animals, and noises) This should be one-on-one time with your ‘girl or boy’. To begin, let your dog know the treat is in your hand. A good sniff will do. This builds the motivation to listen.
Starting with a simple command like “sit”, just hold the treat above your dog’s head, maybe six inches from his nose, and say “sit”. It may take a few times and/or may require a little help like gently putting his/her rump in the sit position yourself. As your dog responds, give lots of praise and treats. Repeating this command a few times a day will reinforce the right response every time.
New commands will likely be welcomed by your pet. They crave new things to do just as we do in our lives. So continue with adding more of the “basic” commands.
Next might be to “stay”. First, get your dog to “sit” as already learned. Then, with treat in hand, and a slight hand motion with fingers extending, somewhat like an “o.k.” signal, say “stay” slowly and deliberately. It’s a good idea, at first, to slowly walk backwards a few steps. When he/she comes, then give more praise and rewards. As your dog begins to understand the command, you can go farther away, and eventually, for instance, if training in the house, you could be out of sight and still keep your dog where you want him/her to stay, until they hear the word “come”.
“COME”- This is probably one of the most important of all commands. It can actually save your dog’s life one day. So, with that said, your enthusiasm can play a part, in the beginning, with this command. But, again, don’t forget the treats!!!
Get your dog in the “sit” position. Have him/her “stay”. Now walk away, keeping eye contact, since it’s the first time. Then, maybe some five to six feet away, bend down slightly with treat in hand and arm dropped somewhat, say “come” with an enthusiastic tone. You should get a positive response and a very happy dog that is by now receiving his/her BONUS of loving praise and tasty treats!
Repeating these very basic commands and extending the length of time and distances from which they are given will enhance the continued training of your dog.
Remember: Using dog treats for training will continue to be a great incentive as long as they are still the latest and greatest thing from your dog’s perspective! Happy training with treats!
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