Have you reached the point where your dog won’t do anything unless there’s a treat involved? If so, it might be time to think about weaning them off food rewards.
In this instalment of our expert series with Doggy Dan, the “Online Dog Trainer,” Dan shares his insights on how to use treats the right way, and how to gradually transition your dog away from relying on them for every command.
Establishing Leadership: Building a Trust-Based Connection
One important point Dan emphasises is to not rely solely on treats in training. Instead, he teaches us to step up and “become the pack leader”. By asserting yourself as the leader, your doggos will be motivated to obey your commands without the constant need for treats.
Treats for New Behaviours: Motivation and Reinforcement
While weaning off treats is the end goal, Dan acknowledges their effectiveness in teaching new behaviours. Whether it’s toilet training or a recall command, treats can provide the extra motivation your dog needs to learn these skills initially. But remember, treats should be phased out as your dog becomes more proficient in these behaviours.
Recall and Rewards: The Exception to the Rule
However- when it comes to recall, Doggy Dan suggests using treats as a reward. This reinforces the behaviour and keeps your dog eagerly coming back to you. Varying the treats adds an element of surprise and excitement for your pup and acts as a reward.
The bottom line is that, once you’ve confidently trained your doggo, try and phase out using treats other than for recall as it’s like a payment and reward for them.
By following Doggy Dan’s approach, you can gradually decrease reliance on treats while building a strong bond of trust and respect with your furry friend. Check out the video above or visit our blog for more posts about effective leadership & dog training.
Stay tuned for the next instalment where Doggy Dan will share more invaluable training insights!