Is Treat-less Training the Way to Go? – Adult Dog Training Sydney

Eazy Dog Training runs Adult Dog Training Sydney Classes in the Inner West of Sydney

There are dog trainers who are totally against treat training. They usually believe in dominance theory and pack leadership and use body language and tone of voice only. In this style of dog training, once a dog has learned a behaviour but doesn’t respond properly, he receives a correction in the form of a choke chain jerk or similar aversive technique.

For training to be truly effective, the dog must want to cooperate.

This is best achieved by providing adequate motivation. For most dogs, food is extremely motivating. It’s also very easy to use, and keeps the dog’s focus. If the owner’s timing isn’t the best, the worst that happens is that the dog receives an extra treat. With dominance training wrong timing can create more issues, in worst case fear towards the unpredictable and harsh owner.

Will my dog become dependent on food?

There is a huge difference between bribery and reward-based training. Once a dog understands and has trained a behaviour with distractions, duration and distance, treats should become less frequent. Random reinforcement can then be applied. And rewards shouldn’t always be treats, you should also use real life rewards. For example, a dog needs to sit at the door before he gets a walk, calm down before a lead is put on, or he must sit and wait before being fed. I follow a rule “nothing in life is free” with my dog. She has to work for everything, even for her ball.

Modern trainers understand that motivating dogs with what is valuable to them is the most effective dog training method.

And reward-based training has the added benefit of creating a strong bond between dog and owner.

ANNIINA – YOUR POSITIVE CERTIFIED DOG TRAINER IN INNER WEST & CENTRAL SYDNEY!

Welcome to my Adult Dog Training Sydney classes in Inner West of Sydney. I run basic obedience & manners dog training classes and beginners agility classes in Annandale.