Dog Training Techniques - Does Offering Food Treats Work?

Many years ago the idea of using food treats in conjunction with training was looked down upon. It was considered spoiling the dog. Nowadays offering food treats is one of the most popular dog training techniques.

I use dog treats because they get the dog's attention faster than any other single training tool available. With some good dog treats you can teach a dog to focus on you and ignore distractions in just a few moments. After he's learned to focus on you, you can expand his learning and teach him other things. Without the food treats the training takes much longer.

You can use food treats in several ways:
1. Rewards - When your dog does something correctly, he will be given a piece of the treat as a reward.
2. Lure - A treat used to lead the dog through a movement or motion is called lure. After the dog follows the lure, he is given it as a reward.
3. Target - A treat is placed on an object or in a place to show the dog he needs to move to that spot or touch that object. When he gets there, he gets the treat.
4. Jackpot - When the dog does something extraordinary, or has a training breakthrough, he should be given a handful of treats or some special treats. This super-size reward is called jackpot.

In order for this dog training technique to work, the food treats must be something your dog likes. Some dogs will be happy with their dry food, while some others need something a little more special, like freeze-dried liver or homemade cookies.

You need to remember to always use your voice when using food treats. For example if your dog does something correctly, praise him as he does so, and then give him the treat. Your voice marks the good behavior, the treat rewards it.