Training
- Thread starter SheltieKisses
- Start date
I'll train using treats (or something highly rewarding) always and as soon as we move from learning the command to maintaining it I'll start using treats intermittently (I'll give them randomly). I will start up using treats constantly again when we move to a more distracting location (first on a walk, then in a public place, then a crowded public place with dogs like a pet store) and then again move to varied treating when the dog does well with the command in these places.
The frequency may slowly decrease over time but on most commands I'll probably never stop rewarding altogether, it's always nice for the dog to get an occasional reward for a well known behavior if you have a treat on you (maybe you are training something else and throw in a treat for a very good sit).
The frequency may slowly decrease over time but on most commands I'll probably never stop rewarding altogether, it's always nice for the dog to get an occasional reward for a well known behavior if you have a treat on you (maybe you are training something else and throw in a treat for a very good sit).
In the beginning of training, I use treats often. Not necessarily always, I use other rewards if I'm not using treats.
As he progresses, rewards are faded for behaviors he's proficient at, but not for new behaviors.
Rewards are never completely eliminated. Even my 9 year old who is trained, proofed, titled and retired still gets rewards.
Rewards can be anything from treats and toys to life rewards ~ being allowed to go outside after he sits at the door, for example.
As he progresses, rewards are faded for behaviors he's proficient at, but not for new behaviors.
Rewards are never completely eliminated. Even my 9 year old who is trained, proofed, titled and retired still gets rewards.
Rewards can be anything from treats and toys to life rewards ~ being allowed to go outside after he sits at the door, for example.
Dogs don't know what is a trick and what is not.. I know I wouldn't work for free 
Even for people I loved I don't think I would toil away for nothing.
I do try to use toy/play rewards when I can.
I randomly reward behaviours to keep them strong... not often, but the opportunity to 'win' the lottery is still there. If you want a happy working dog the best way is to make the work rewarding. You can often tell by the dogs working attitude how people train.
Even for people I loved I don't think I would toil away for nothing.I do try to use toy/play rewards when I can.
I randomly reward behaviours to keep them strong... not often, but the opportunity to 'win' the lottery is still there. If you want a happy working dog the best way is to make the work rewarding. You can often tell by the dogs working attitude how people train.
I don't clicker train but feel that is a wonderful way to train a dog I use treats to initially train and mold my dogs then I slowly start fazing out the treats and the reward is...me!!! LOL For a fantastic never fail recall I trained them to a whistle with high value treats. Now when I'm at the beach, the wind is high and the dogs cannot hear my voice they can hear the whistle. The sound of the whistle clicks in their brain as good things are going to happen and they come running back to me. Most times on a hike I do still carry high value treats as there are times I need to know they are going to run back to me quickly in emergencies. For basic training, my dogs will now do anything just for attention rewards such as belly rubs, or just my being very happy with them.
I use treats to initially train and mold my dogs then I slowly start fazing out the treats and the reward is...me!!! LOL For a fantastic never fail recall I trained them to a whistle with high value treats. Now when I'm at the beach, the wind is high and the dogs cannot hear my voice they can hear the whistle. The sound of the whistle clicks in their brain as good things are going to happen and they come running back to me. Most times on a hike I do still carry high value treats as there are times I need to know they are going to run back to me quickly in emergencies. For basic training, my dogs will now do anything just for attention rewards such as belly rubs, or just my being very happy with them.
Excellent advice so far, but I would caution not to confuse reward based training with luring. Studies have proven that when luring the dogs focus on the rewards in your hand (yes a toy can also be a lure, just not food/treats) and don't learn as fast, plus they get confused when the reward is taken away because it has become part of the cue/command.