Effectively Using Dog Training Treats

The two typical kinds of dog training techniques are positive reinforcement and punishment, the latter being a poor choice for the mental and physical wellbeing of your pet. During positive reinforcement dog training, the trainer has the option of offering the four-legged friend a tasty dog training treat for a job well done. With patience and commitment, this method is highly effective during training sessions for your pet.

Professional dog trainers advocate positive methods for training purposes as well. Giving your pet a treat for good dog behavior and following commands during training sessions will help him associate a good feeling with a certain behavior. Dogs have an innate desire to please their owner, and when he sees you happy, readily giving out treats and offering him praise, he knows he’s done a good job.

Praises and treats together make your dog training sessions easier, similar to working and receiving a paycheck. You wouldn’t really be inclined to perform at your job if it wasn’t rewarding in one fashion or another. Another benefit of dog training treats is the obedience and continued interest in the training sessions themselves. Your pet will be more apt to follow commands and willing to accept training if he thinks there is a treat involved.

Here’s how to use dog training treats.

Immediately after your canine companion follows the command, hand him a treat. Don’t wait until the end of the session as it might end on a negative note, and you don’t want to encourage that type of behavior. Using treats too often can spoil the dog and he’ll depend on treats to do even the simplest tasks.

If you give your dog treats when not in training, make sure those used during training are different in flavor, shape or color. Often times, pet owners will give their dogs a snack for teeth care or as a digestion aid. The treats used during a dog training session should be completely different so your dog doesn’t make a connection between the two.

You can find dog treats in any pet store, some department and general stores, your veterinarian’s office and online vendors. These treats are priced anywhere from $5 up to $30. There are many varieties available and some are designed for health and dietary supplements.

Pet training and rewarding with treats is an effective and positive way to get your canine to be more obedient, outgoing and focused on the sessions.