Do I need to use treats?

sterlingsmom · Posted: Wed Jan 02, 2008 7:34 pm Post subject:

"This is a common problem. I would start using less exciting treats for now and also smaller pieces. Also start teaching attention using treats. Part of the problem with dogs that go bananas with high value treats is, well, one, they are young, and two, they haven't learned that calm behavior is rewarding, and three, they need to learn that YOU are the dispenser of food, and YOU are the one to pay attention to to get food. Dogs, even puppies, that have learned the "watch" command early don't have this problem as much."

This is why the clicker is so effective. click or marker word is the signal, and NO treat is given if the animal is going bonkers!
Although I haven't used the clicker on my dogs (yet!) This is what I train my horses with. At first, they mug the crap outta me when they figure out where the treats are...I NEVER reward this...it doesn't take them long to figure out that they get NOTHING by going bonkers. My puppies go crazy like you wouldn't believe when I am working with treats, but I will stand calm and give my command until they calm down...no treats until then...at all! Colt especially learned this really quickly Smile