Dogs are generally influenced by food. As a result, healthy dog treats are a naturally effective teaching tool. Training dogs with treats opens you up to a wider range of possibilities associated with shaping their behavioural patterns. 

Through treats, we can utilize positive reinforcement techniques that offer better learning outcomes and a more enjoyable experience for our canine friends.

In this article, we’ll be looking at the basics of using treats as teaching tools for your dogs and how you can make the most out of every training session.

Look for Enticing Treats

It’s crucial to look for a treat that your dog genuinely enjoys, as this will help immensely with training. Relying on commonly used play toys and tasteless dog biscuits won’t always give you favourable training results, as your dog can easily lose focus. 

When weighing your options, be sure to look for organic dog treats that are moist and tender, making them easy to chew and swallow. If you’re having a hard time finding treats, you could always look for dog treat bakeries that specialise in creating specialty pastries that best suit your dog’s dietary needs. 

Treats can be easily substituted with cooked beef or chicken if your dog really enjoys them—but too much of these can be unhealthy for your furry friend!

Prioritise Timing in Your Training

Timing your rewards is also critical in training sessions. Rather than rewarding your dog at all times, it’s better to give treats in response to smaller, achievable steps. For example, you want to teach your dog to sit. It is essential only to reward your dog when the desired outcome has been fulfilled. Upon receiving an earned reward, your dog will be motivated to do more.

Keep Training Sessions Short

Ideal training sessions last about 10 minutes, especially if you’re handling a puppy. Training is mentally exhausting and will tire your dog out rather quickly. Their attention span usually lasts for 10-15 minutes before they start losing interest and making mistakes. 

To achieve the best attainable results, training sessions should also end on a high note to ensure your dogs retain information in a positive manner. Ideally, you can have three short sessions per day rather than a long 30-minute session to maximise the benefits.

Learn the Luring Technique

Luring is an effective way to train your dog with treats. Luring is when you guide your dog by using your treat as reinforcement to steer your dog into desired positions. You’re typically using this technique to teach “sit” and “down” while also improving your dog’s movement and agility.

Explore Remote Training

If you’re unable to physically be there in your training sessions, the Furbo Dog Camera is a wise alternative. This camera allows you to communicate instructions to your dog through a two-way radio, dispense treats, and also comes along with a clicking sound that can help you condition your dog whenever the desired outcome has been carried out.

Slowly Lessen The Treats

Sooner or later, you’ll want to allow your dogs to break free of being reliant on treats to perform certain tasks. One easy way is to remove treats by rewarding your dogs every “second time” they get the commands right. This way, your dogs learn that their efforts still reel in lovely rewards, making them more reliable and cementing their improved behaviour.

Conclusion

Training is one of the best ways to develop a close relationship with your dog, as it allows for intimacy and quality time to blossom in your sessions. 

Training with positive reinforcement is also a better way for your dog to retain information while being showered with love and affection. Combine all this with lovely treats, and your training sessions transform into a beautiful endeavour between two friends.

With quality biscuits and organic Australian-made dog treats in a range of appetizing flavour combinations, Frankie Loves Barkery can provide you with the best dog treats for your everyday needs. Get the best for your furry friend, and shop with us today!