Post by alldogs on Aug 11, 2012 17:05:54 GMT
All Treats Are Not Equal! This is one of my stock phrases as is, "What I would do for a Forrero Rocher, I wouldn't do for a cornflake!" People often laugh at this but it does help owners to understand the importance of good treats! Also what motivates a five year old child won't motivate a fifteen year old and at different life stages dogs rewards need to be adjusted too.
When it comes to training and/or resolving behaviour problems you need good treats. You cannot decide what your dog prefers, it is their preference that matters!
Shop bought dog treats are often too large and expensive. Manufactures make the treats large so you use more! Although some are good and can be broken into smaller pieces.
Treats which I have found good are dried liver, cheese, chicken, garlic sausage, pate, hot dog sausages, dried dog sausage and liver sizzlers (I sell these in dog training and the dogs love them!)
Remember not to give too much of something new to your dog until you know that it won't upset their tummy. Try one new treat at a time initially and adjust their food allowance as you'll end up with a very fat dog (Munch! Although she is slimming down nicely).
Toys are also a good reward and for some dogs a more valuable reward that food.
When owners tell me that their dogs will eat the treats at home but not outside the home I would suggest a higher value treat. Although for some dogs, particularly stressed dogs they may be less likely to take a treat but this is something which can be improved upon.
The frequency of the reward and the way it is delivered also make it more attractive.
If my one year old dog doesn't recall immediately, I look for better treats. We were on dried venison a while ago but she's back on track now!
We all know not to punish a dog which doesn't come back immediately don't we? We shouldn't give a treat though when it comes back after being called lots of times. Why? If the dog gets the same reward if it is compliant on the first call or the tenth call, there is no benefit to the dog from listening immediately! The dog knows it will get the same reward!
The opposite of reward is no reward, not punishment!
I hope that this is food for thought so to speak!
When it comes to training and/or resolving behaviour problems you need good treats. You cannot decide what your dog prefers, it is their preference that matters!
Shop bought dog treats are often too large and expensive. Manufactures make the treats large so you use more! Although some are good and can be broken into smaller pieces.
Treats which I have found good are dried liver, cheese, chicken, garlic sausage, pate, hot dog sausages, dried dog sausage and liver sizzlers (I sell these in dog training and the dogs love them!)
Remember not to give too much of something new to your dog until you know that it won't upset their tummy. Try one new treat at a time initially and adjust their food allowance as you'll end up with a very fat dog (Munch! Although she is slimming down nicely).
Toys are also a good reward and for some dogs a more valuable reward that food.
When owners tell me that their dogs will eat the treats at home but not outside the home I would suggest a higher value treat. Although for some dogs, particularly stressed dogs they may be less likely to take a treat but this is something which can be improved upon.
The frequency of the reward and the way it is delivered also make it more attractive.
If my one year old dog doesn't recall immediately, I look for better treats. We were on dried venison a while ago but she's back on track now!
We all know not to punish a dog which doesn't come back immediately don't we? We shouldn't give a treat though when it comes back after being called lots of times. Why? If the dog gets the same reward if it is compliant on the first call or the tenth call, there is no benefit to the dog from listening immediately! The dog knows it will get the same reward!
The opposite of reward is no reward, not punishment!
I hope that this is food for thought so to speak!
Tried to make it once but never again lol I buy it where I can. Louie will do pretty much anything for it and its easy to break into little bits for training. 
They are now on dried doggy sausages and that seems to be keeping them coming back for more! 
