Proper treat training is a matter of making healthier food choices
Choose a lean protein option for positive reinforcement if concerned about weight
The training class we signed up for uses many treats. While we do not mind the occasional biscuit, the amount of food used is concerning. We want our dogs to be wellmannered, but we also want them to be healthy and fit. Achieving both by using so many treats seems impossible. Could you offer suggestions or alternatives?
People often call positive reinforcement training “treat training.” This really is a misnomer.
Experienced positive reinforcement trainers simply do not have the same concerns as those who are new to the process.
Positive reinforcement training usually uses food because it offers many benefits.
Convenience and the ability to give fast feedback are two of those.
Calling food a treat implies junk food — like using candies and cupcakes with people. Copious amounts of high-calorie junk food would be concerning.
Thankfully, good food can taste good. Dogs tend to be pretty enthusiastic about many healthy foods.
Shop wisely. Read product labels and keep junk to a minimum. The ability to balance health with training is really a matter of making good choices.
Use the correct food for the problem. Dog training typically addresses two types of problems. There is behaviour modification and there is skills training.
Families working to overcome fear, anxiety and aggression will need to use special, high value food. Usually this means some form of meat.
Choose a lean protein if weight is of concern. This type of exercise obtains faster results if people do fewer reps with longer breaks between. Less done well is better.
Each repetition is designed to make a huge impact. Working by the book means less food overall.
Skills training should use the optimal value of food.
This varies from one dog to the next. Food should be not so low in value that the dog cannot be bothered to work for it. Nor should it be so high that the dog cannot think clearly. Choose something down the middle.
Many trainers adjust for dietary concerns by using semimoist dog food. These typically come in chubs that look like rolls of liverwurst.
Chop the food into small pieces appropriate for training. Quality does vary between brands.
Regardless of the brand you choose, they do meet nutritional requirements for dog food and dogs see the softer food as being special.
Reduce the dog’s kibble by an appropriate amount on days when training takes place. It’s a guilt-free way of training with food that keeps dogs from being overfed.
Keep in mind that food is not the problem.
Food nourishes and it is something that all species of animals work for. Even we work to “bring home the bacon.” Balanced or healthy food should not be feared. While training our dog to walk on leash, she charges in front and winds up tripping us as she looks for her reward. How can we fix this? The most common reason for dogs surging forward is that most people pay there. Dogs anticipate not only the food, but where the food will be given.
It’s like going to the payroll department for a check. You go where the payment will be.
The location where food is provided can support or sabotage training goals. In loose leash walking, all good things should be given to the side. Move the dog’s payroll department so they have no reason to dart forward in anticipation.
Initially, the dog might still move ahead. Pay where you want the dog to be. With some repeated drilling, they figure out that moving forward is a waste of time and energy. Yvette Van Veen is an animal behaviour consultant and Canada’s 1st tested and certified PCT-A. Write her at advice@awesomedogs.ca.