K9 Training 101

Using Treats for Training

Dogs learn by using demonstration and reward. You can use verbal praise, love and affection, or treats. Praise, love, and affection are always readily available; treats may not be. I like to use "inconsistent" rewards.

Think of it in terms of a gambler sitting in front of a slot machine. He will spend time playing the machine even if it only occasionally gives out coins. The gambler is hooked because of the anticipation of a "jackpot" and not knowing when the next reward will appear. We keep the dog "hooked" on training because you keep him guessing what the next reward will be – food, praise, loving, a walk, or a ride in the car. You are your dog’s slot machine. Adding in the occasional "jackpot" reward makes it even more fun. For instance, if a dog runs to me especially fast when I call him, I make a bigger fuss than usual.

Always remember behaviors followed by good consequences increase in frequency and are more likely to be repeated in the future. Behaviors followed by bad consequences - such as no attention - will decrease in frequency.

Nicole Roccograndi is a Certified Canine Specialist at Cosmo's Corner

in Virginia Beach