Our dogs are very, very food motivated so training was really a breeze if we had some liver snacks or a hot dog in our back pocket. Anyone else uses treats in training? Does this work well for older dogs too?

I know a few people who shun treat training because they are afraid the dog will get too dependent on food, in general.

I am not sure how accurate their fears are, but I can understand how someone would feel that way.

When I trained me shepherd I used treats. He doesn`t seem obsessed with them though. He knows where I keep them and if he wants a treat he will look at me and make a noise like he is trying to tell me something. When I get up he runs to where I keep the treats and looks back to make sure I am following him.

I hope to have training success with using toy reward as a treat, it appears be successful with police dogs.
I need to do more research yet, I have time to research.
I have a 'clicker' trained rabbit. but he turns for a food reward

(01-09-2008 06:50 PM)lilbit Wrote:  When I trained me shepherd I used treats. He doesn`t seem obsessed with them though. He knows where I keep them and if he wants a treat he will look at me and make a noise like he is trying to tell me something. When I get up he runs to where I keep the treats and looks back to make sure I am following him.

In other words, you're well trained. <G>

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(26-08-2008 06:45 PM)mandiees Wrote:  Our dogs are very, very food motivated so training was really a breeze if we had some liver snacks or a hot dog in our back pocket. Anyone else uses treats in training? Does this work well for older dogs too?

I do sometimes. Treats work great, but that's not the only time they get them. I'll tell you what's hysterical with my Tessa. She is dang smart, but ultra independent. Example One:

Tessa, crate!
Tessa goes to the crate, gets in, puts half of her body out of the crate

Tessa!
stare down
more stare down
Tessa gets completely in the crate, leaves paw out

Tessa!
Paw goes in crate.

Same scenario with a biscuit already on the table, the biscuit box in site, or Mom here saying, "You want a treat? Okay, but first, crate"

Tessa runs to the crate, gets completely inside, sits down, and stares with big ears.

When a biscuit is on the line, that dog never argues. The rest of the time, she does what I say, but that independent heeler part of her leaves a paw out or something. It's really funny!

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