Treating Your Dog During Training

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Good training treats for dogs are a handy tool for getting your doggo to be on their best behaviour. Dogs are clever little characters, and when you reward them for doing something, they are more likely to do it again! Find out how and when to use treats to bring out the best in your dog when you treat and train, and a few things to avoid.

How treating helps the training process

When you are trying to get your dog to do something, a treat sends a message, good things happen when desirable behaviour is displayed. This makes it likely they will do it again in the hope of another delicious reward. Treating also gives them confidence and strengthens the bond between you and your pooch.

The best treats to use during training

Bite-sized treats such as  SCHMACKOS™ Tasty Bites are good training treats for dogs as they come in small portions you can give out gradually during training. You can also take a bigger snack and break it into bits, giving your doggo a taste of the good stuff every time they get it right.

 Behaviour to avoid rewarding during training

Dogs don’t mean to be naughty, and it’s usually because they don’t understand what’s expected of them. Maybe your dog got a bit too excited at meeting someone new and is jumping up at them, or they got distracted during training. If they do something you don’t like, remember that treating them will likely reinforce that behaviour. Be patient and try again until they get it. 

When to treat your dog during training

In training, timing is everything! Use a word like ‘yes’ as a marker just before you dish out the goodies. That way, your dog knows a treat is on its way and is more likely to understand the exact behaviour you are rewarding. 

Balancing treats with praise

Dog training treats are a great way to reinforce behaviour, but praise, fuss or a loved toy can also work as ways of letting your doggo know you are happy with them. Using a mixture of these things keeps them guessing as your dog will want to see which one is coming next. 

Treats are integral to good training, and your dog will love you for it. Even once good behaviour has been established, keep going with the yummies and you will also be rewarded with a well-behaved dog! For more information about how to treat your dog, check out our Wonderful Side of Wacko™ blog.

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