No Treats For Free - Effective Positive Reinforcement For Dog Owners

By Russell Hancock

Offering treats to children is something that we often do for people and children as a means of showing affection and appreciation, however when it comes to dogs, treats ought to only be used as a means of positive reinforcement, which means, no treats for free! Always commanding your dog to sit, or lay before offering a treat teaches your dog not only to follow his master's commands, but also builds the bond between master and dog to the extent that it will often anticipate a command and sit or lay (as opposed to jumping up all over you when he knows he is about to get a treat! Yikes!) at any given time.

Dogs see treats in varying levels of appeal, just as we do - a biscuit is an all right treat, but a piece of meat or cheese is next to heaven. Similarly, the commands should align with the appeal of a treat. If you are offering your dog meat as a treat, make sure that the command that is offered is aligned to the value of the treat.

If you have a dog that has a habit of jumping towards a kitchen counter prior to getting fed, a treat ritual can break this habit. Find a good place for the dog to consistently sit when you are preparing the bowl of food. Make the dog sit by enticing it with a treat and tell it to stay. If it stays for ten seconds, offer another treat. Then practice that at longer rituals until you can begin preparing the food. Do not put the dog's food down until he or she is sitting in his space. Eventually, your dog will learn that he or she is expected to sit in that space when food is being prepared, and you will soon find your dog sitting in that place when he or she is ready to eat.

Dogs that get treats for free are susceptible to behavioral challenges in the future because they are more likely to misinterpret their rank in the home and become disobedient. If you have a dog that displays undesirable behaviors, take a look at your treat practices. Are you showing good treat etiquette? Dogs love getting treats and humans love giving it, however recognize a set of rules in offering treats and remember, dogs love structure, and an environment that is predictable makes a dog feel safe.

Where do you find the best and most wholesome treats for your best friend? Find information and a selection of products here http://www.cosmosdogtreats.com and http://www.cosmosdogtreats.com/shop.php Article by Russ Hancock, an avid Dog lover.