As pet parents, we all want our dogs to be well-behaved. One of the best ways to achieve this is through positive reinforcement training with treats. However many pet owners may worry about overfeeding their dogs or causing weight gain by giving too many treats throughout the day.
The truth is, using small pieces of healthy treats to teach a dog throughout the day is not only acceptable, but it can also be highly effective in training. In the same way, that we offer snacks to toddlers to reward good behavior, dogs can benefit from the same type of positive reinforcement.
For example, once a dog has been taught how to potty outside, there is no need to continue giving treats for every successful potty break. Instead, we can taper down the use of treats for that behavior that’s been properly conditioned allowing us to have treats for other behaviors we’re currently working on.
Using small treats throughout the day can make the learning experience more rewarding for your dog. It keeps them engaged and motivated to learn new behaviors. And don’t worry about weight gain – as long as you are using healthy, low-calorie treats in moderation, your dog should be just fine.
One tip for using treats as a reward is to use your dog’s regular food for a treat! This way, you are not adding extra calories to their diet, but still providing a tasty incentive for good behavior. You can also set up “treat stations” at various areas in your house where you know you struggle with training. This way, you have easy access to treats when you need them, and you won’t have to run to the “cookie cupboard” in the middle of a training session.
In conclusion, using small treats throughout the day to teach your dog is not only acceptable, but it can also be highly effective in training. By using healthy, low-calorie treats in moderation, you can reward good behavior and keep your dog engaged and motivated to learn. So don’t be afraid to use treats as a training tool – your dog will thank you for it!
Remember that training is a lifelong process, so be patient, consistent, and positive in your approach. The bond and connection you have with your dog will make all the difference in their training journey!
I’m genuinely excited to have you following me here, and I’m eager for you to embark on this enlightening training journey with you and your dog. So, pour yourself a cup of your favorite tea or coffee, settle in, and grab my favorite ebook here: https://stan.store/christinefox/p/get-your-mindfulness-ebook-now-d3rhp
Want to learn even more about how dogs learn? Join my upcoming webinar: https://stan.store/christinefox
More bond-building tips: https://youtube.com/shorts/Hm7kLXee2YU?si=0NB0SZU7cwvalVH9
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https://wagntails.net/2024/08/06/motivation-training-tips/
