Why Do We Use So Many Treats When Training Dogs?

Understanding the Importance of Treats in Dog Training

Rewards are how you motivate your dog to want to learn new behaviours. What rewards work best depends on your individual dog

People often ask, "Why do we have to use so many treats when we're training?" The answer lies in understanding how dogs learn and what motivates them. At HotDog Training, we employ a method known as positive reinforcement. This approach encourages dogs to perform desired behaviours by rewarding them with things they enjoy.

The Basics of Positive Reinforcement

For example, if we want to teach a dog to sit quietly, we reward them with a treat when they successfully place their bottom on the ground and remain still. By repeating this process, the dog learns that sitting quietly earns them a tasty reward.

However, it’s important to note that the reward doesn’t always have to be food. It can be anything that your dog finds enjoyable. Rewards generally fall into three categories:

• Food

• Fun (e.g., play, freedom)

• Fuss (e.g., praise, attention)

  
  

Why Some People Hesitate to Use Food

It surprises me how reluctant some people are to use food as a training tool. There are a couple of reasons for this hesitation. One reason is the terminology. We often refer to the food we use as "treats." This term carries connotations of indulgence, similar to how we think of treats for children.

When you give your dog a piece of kibble, it may not be a compelling reward. After all, they receive kibble in their bowl daily. It lacks the specialness that a more enticing food item would have. If you reward your dog with chicken, fresh sausage, hot dogs, cheese, or dried fish, you’ll likely see a significant increase in their motivation to learn.

The Power of Food Rewards

Food rewards must be genuinely rewarding. Only your dog can determine what they find motivating. If you’ve been using mediocre food rewards, try switching things up. You’ll likely see your dog’s enthusiasm for training soar!

The reason food is such a strong motivator is that it meets one of the dog's basic evolutionary needs. Dogs cannot survive without food, making their drive to earn it instinctive and powerful.

The Role of Fun in Training

While food is essential, fun is another motivator, especially for certain breeds like Border Collies and German Shepherds. These dogs were bred for activities like hunting and herding, where movement is crucial. Many dogs genuinely enjoy playing with their owners, making play a fantastic training reward, particularly for behaviours like recall.

The Value of Fuss and Attention

Lastly, we have fuss, which encompasses praise and attention. Many people believe that dogs should obey simply because they want to please their owners. While this may be true for some dogs, it often isn’t the case for most.

Puppies typically enjoy praise and attention, and many older dogs do as well. However, fuss is generally the least powerful motivator because it’s not as essential to a dog's survival. Since we give our pets plenty of attention outside of training, a reward that is rare holds more value.

Conclusion: Choose the Right Rewards

In summary, ensure that the rewards you use in dog training are those your dog would genuinely choose. This will keep your dog focused and motivated, making training a rewarding experience for both of you.

If you're looking for more information on effective dog training methods, consider exploring HotDog Training.