Training Treats - what I recommend
What treats/foods do you recommend in training?
I was asked this question in a webinar I delivered during the pandemic and it made me stop and think as there is actually a lot more to it than me recommending a few of my favourite brands.
There is no magic food for reinforcing behaviour but there are some important points to consider.
Why food?
It is important to understand why and how we use food in training - The food is a reward for your dog, presented after a behaviour, to increase the likelihood that the behaviour will be repeated. The behaviour might be specific actions we want them to perform like Sit, Drop, Come or a general way of being: Four paws on the floor; Quiet; Calm. What learning theory tells us is a behaviour that is rewarded will be repeated. A frequently rewarded behaviour will become a habit for your dog making positive reinforcement a powerful method for shaping and changing behaviour.
For something to be rewarding and consequently impact behaviour your dog has to like and want what you are offering in the moment.
Consider your dogs preferences
What does my dog like? What gets them excited? Dogs will have preferences for different foods. We can make some assumptions that dogs will prefer meaty, smelly treats versus dried treats; roast chicken versus dried liver but ultimately your dog decides what they find rewarding. In particular what your dog will find rewarding in a particular moment dependant on their emotional state and the environment they are in.
Environment
Why is it important to consider the environment you are training in? In higher distraction environments such as outdoors, at the park, down the shops its trickier for your dog to work because there is more to occupy their attention. We are competing with other things which interest them, make them nervous or generally just distract them. When the work is harder, the payment needs to be higher. At home you can train with your dogs normal meals, maybe bits of kibble, up the reward value when you move to somewhere with higher distractions. Higher value rewards would be something your dog loves but doesn’t get very often.
If your dog is unable or unwilling to take food from your in a particular situation it says something about their current emotional state. Look around, what could be making your dog feel nervous, anxious or over excited. Change location, move away from possible triggers, give your dog space before continuing with training.
Size
Using food rewards in training shouldn’t mean your dog gets excessive food and ends up over weight. Also we don’t want them to fill up too quickly, it is a common misconception that the treat needs to be big to be rewarding. So when it comes to size think small. No bigger than a finger nail for large breeds, for our littlest dogs simply allowing them a nibble or lick of something in your hand can be enough. Adjust daily meal allowances to account for treats.
Ease
Is the food easy for the dog to eat? Quick to eat foods allow you to move on in training quickly. Dry crunchy treats can take a bit of chewing, especially for small breed dogs. We want our dog to be able to chew and swallow quickly so we can keep up the pace in training. For the tiniest dogs licking the treat can be sufficient. Hold a larger treat between your fingers and allow your dog to have a few licks each time you reward.
Ease for you the pet guardian - small dry treats are easy to grab and pop in your pocket. Prepackaged dog treats are convenient being ready prepared, although often I find them to be a bit big. Meatier treats can be messier but are often more desirable to your dog and easier to eat. Consider a treat pouch, these keep meatier treats away from your clothing and means they are easy to access improving speed and accuracy of reward delivery.
So in summary:
Food rewards behaviour - rewarded behaviours will be repeated.
Your dog has to like and want what you are offering - your dogs current emotional state and the environment you are working in will have an impact.
Higher distractions - Offer higher value rewards
Softer treats are quicker to eat and often tastier
Currently my go to treats are:
Dried treats
Savour Life dog treats - a semi soft treat, a little big, half them if you can be bothered
Vita pet pocket trainers - small, easy to find in supermarkets and pet food stores
Vita pet sticks - easy to break into small parts
Moist treats
Cheese - a higher value reward for occasional use, cut into TINY cubes
Kabana - from the deli counter chopped small
Chunkers - can be found in the refrigerated pet food section of most supermarkets. Large treats can be left whole and allow your dog nibbles or licks
Roast chicken - gentle on tummies
