Making Training Treats Work, Without Always Needing Them

We all love how treats make our dogs wag their tails and perk up their ears. They’re a big part of teaching our furry friends to sit, stay, or come when called. Treats are small, tasty rewards that fit right into our pockets and can easily be brought out at the right moment.

But sometimes, it feels like our pups only pay attention if there’s a treat in our hand. This can be tricky when you need them to listen, but there’s no treat around! Good news – it’s possible to have your dog respond to your commands even without treats. But remember, it’s still important to reward them with a treat after they do something right during training.

Why Dogs Might Not Listen Without Treats

Imagine if your dog only responds to you because they see the treat. Expert trainer Juliana DeWillems, from JW Dog Training & Behavior, shares her thoughts on this. She mentions that if we always use a treat to show our dogs what we want them to do, the treat can become part of the signal itself.

Here's what to do: gradually stop showing the treat in your hand while teaching the behavior. This way, your dog learns to respond to just your hand signal, treat or no treat in sight. You still reward them with a treat once they do what you asked, though, because dogs love to repeat actions that earn them tasty bites!

Gentle Steps to Fade Out the Food Lure

• Start by repeating your signal with the treat a few times.
• Then, use the same hand motion but without the treat. Do this a few times, rewarding your dog each time.
• Slowly change your hand signal to what you want it to be.

Remember, if your dog seems like they're not listening, they might just be confused. The clearer you make your signals, the better they'll understand and the more they'll want to make you happy.

For More Fun and Effective Training Tips

Looking for more ways to bond with your dog through training? Check out our list of 27 handy dog training tips you can try yourself. Plus, explore the five most important commands to teach your dog and how to make learning them a fun game.

Appreciate and Welcome a New Friend

Let’s celebrate the joy our pets bring today. Hug your pet a little tighter, and if you’re considering inviting more love into your home, think about adopting a pet in need. Their love makes every day brighter!