Picture from https://wagwalking.com/condition/obesity
Food Training - Why its too much too soon.
If you're treat training your dog (as seems to be the case with most dog trainers these days) using as you have been advised to - ‘high value treats’, what happens when something far better comes on the ‘menu’ when your dog is off lead and out in the real world ?
Still trying to use those ‘high value treats’ aren't you ! - which ‘worked’ when there was nothing better so why are they not working now?
High Value Treats used to get a sit or down in a low distraction environment are not going to help you stop your dog chase that pheasant or rabbit across that nice open field. Because as we know dogs release endorphins when they are chasing, the same ones they release in playing with us.
So now your dog is hot footing it off after the local wildlife chuck a few delicious ‘high value’ food rewards at it, and it will come back to you !!!!
Oh no it won't !
Your dog is now off and enjoying the ‘thrill of the chase’ so why would they want a few bits of liver cake or cooked chicken instead, when you have already told them that by simply sitting or going to their bed (at home or in the training classes) they get the very same tasty high value reward!
So, just sit back and wait for your dog to come back, because in reality your dog is saying you can stick your chicken or liver cake, I am having way more fun, and probably not even listening to you in the process!
So why are so many dog trainers going down the food route ?
In all honesty it’s far easier to bribe a dog with food than build a long lasting relationship with your puppy / dog. And with the large numbers of street dogs being picked up around Europe and brought back to the UK, Dogs which have only known food its the only way for some short sighted trainers.
Don't get me wrong, There is a place in dog training for food based rewards, and we do use them if and when we need to, BUT never with our puppies, we want our puppy and dog training clients to have relationships with the dog, not their stomachs, building a lasting bond for many years through mutual enjoyment and a want to do things for each other rather than bribery.
“The worldwide prevalence of pet obesity lies between 22% and 44%, and rates seem to be rising. The reasons why are fairly predictable. Owners of overweight dogs feed them more snacks and table scraps, ……….. and are less likely to walk them daily. “ - http://www.bbc.com/future/story/20190109-what-we-can-learn-from-overweight-pets-about-human-obesity
So what should you do ?
Play Training - right from day one puppies are mischievous and want to explore and play - channel this play into reward, reward for being with you, reward for doing things for you in the home, training classes and the garden. Build a strong bond through praise and play training that will stand you in good stead for the rest of pups days.
To find out how to play with your pup and start to build the relationship with it you want contact us today on 07795 466007 (leaving a message please if we dont answer)
“Work with your pups mind - Not its stomach” - Steve Swallow ABIPDT
