Whether it’s a puppy mastering the “sit” command, an older dog conquering an obstacle course, or a companion following you around the yard awaiting playtime, dogs thrive when rewarded for good behavior. Beyond basic training, consistent rewards remind dogs they’re valued, encouraging them to try harder and behave better.
When training a puppy, food treats are a quick way to capture attention. Small treat bags are invaluable, often guiding a puppy’s movements to learn new commands. Older dogs equally deserve these rewards to reinforce positive actions.
In our household, with four dogs, we’ve established two daily treat times—after the morning bathroom run and before bed. This routine reinforces good behavior and reminds each dog of the rules. Whether it’s sitting patiently while others are treated or taking treats gently to spare our fingers, treat time is a structured moment to assign individual tasks, highly recommended for multi-dog homes.
Commands, whether for tricks or behavior, require practice to maintain. Without regular reinforcement, a dog’s response may weaken, just as owners can become lax. If you haven’t used a command in months and suddenly expect compliance, your dog may not respond as before. Random treat rewards keep them alert and engaged.
Choosing and Using Treats Effectively
Treat choice depends on your dog’s preferences. Many dogs love soft beef or sausage-flavored treats. For dogs loyal to canned food, hard treats offer dental benefits, promoting better breath and healthier teeth and gums through crunching. For dogs less excited by routine treats, especially those outgrowing puppy enthusiasm, special training treats like cut-up hot dogs or cheese can reignite interest, making training smoother.
A recent study suggests table scraps may be the healthiest treats, conflicting with many veterinarians’ advice. Pet food and treat companies often use harmful chemical treatments, while table scraps can lead to weight gain and begging. Owners should research, read packaging, and decide what’s best for their dog.
When giving treats, teach your dog to take them gently to avoid nipping fingers. A firm “take nice” command, paired with holding the treat securely in your fist, helps them distinguish hand from treat. Never tease by dangling treats out of reach or encouraging chasing, as this promotes snapping. A calm, seated dog should retrieve treats gently without causing harm.
Even well-behaved dogs need occasional reminders to maintain good behavior. Treats aren’t just for training; rewarding simple actions like sitting or lying down calmly reinforces positive habits. However, keep treats special. Over-treating adds weight and diminishes motivation, signaling that treats come too easily. A dog unmotivated to earn treats may also lose interest in obeying commands. Maintain an element of surprise—if they’re unsure when a treat is coming, they’re more likely to listen eagerly.
In households with multiple people, accidental over-treating is common. Monitor how often others give treats, especially if your dog gains weight. While involving everyone fosters equality in the dog’s eyes, multiple daily treat sessions (e.g., three people treating twice daily) can lead to excess. Coordinate to maintain balance.
Properly used, treats enhance a dog’s happiness and behavior well beyond training. They serve as simple reminders and rewards, encouraging continued good conduct. Who wouldn’t want a happier, better-behaved dog?
