A treat at the right moment is worth more in training than a whole handful at the wrong time. Whether it is the recall, the sit or loose-lead walking out and about: dogs learn fastest when the reward arrives exactly when they do the right thing. We will show you how to use treats so that they support your training rather than slow it down, and how to keep the amount under control.
Rewarding is not bribing
The difference is subtler than it sounds. When you reward, your dog shows the behaviour you want first, and then the treat follows as confirmation. When you bribe, you hold the treat out beforehand so that he joins in at all. The first builds behaviour, the second makes your dog dependent on already seeing the reward.
So get into the habit of taking the treat out of the pouch only after the right behaviour, not before. That way your dog learns that thinking along pays off, even when there is nothing in sight.
Timing is everything
Dogs link a reward to whatever they are doing at that very moment. If the treat comes two seconds too late, you may be rewarding getting up rather than sitting. Ideally, the reward should follow within a second or two of the behaviour you want.
Because rummaging in the pouch often takes too long, a short marker signal helps: an always identical word such as « Yes » or a clicker. You say the word at exactly the right moment and give the treat a second or two later. The signal bridges the gap and tells your dog: that was right, the reward is coming.
The right treat size and choice
Training treats are small, and for good reason. When practising you often reward many times in a row. If each piece is large, your dog is quickly full, the training drags and the calorie balance tips over. As a rule of thumb, a piece the size of a grain of rice to a pea is enough; simply break larger treats into smaller pieces.
It also matters that your dog likes the treat but does not get over-excited. For calm practice at home something dry is often enough, while for tricky situations outdoors it may be a particularly popular highlight. That way you can match the reward to the task. If you like short ingredient lists, the blueberry and beef treats from our small bakery are a gluten-free option with just six ingredients that breaks easily into small pieces. You will find more handmade varieties in the handmade dog treats from Switzerland collection.
Treats within reach, not in your jacket pocket
The faster you can reward, the better. Crumbly treats loose in your jacket pocket are neither within reach nor clean. A treat pouch on your belt solves this: one hand opens it, the reward is there straight away, and your trouser pocket stays clean. Our SnackPack treat pouch sits on your belt with a clip, opens with one hand and also has a compartment for waste bags or keys. That way you keep both hands free for the lead and your signals during training. Our Vico, too, wears his SnackPack on every practice walk.
Deduct treats from the daily ration
Treats are food, and that adds up. A common rule of thumb is that everything your dog gets in treats should make up no more than around ten per cent of his daily food amount. On an intensive training day a lot of small pieces quickly add up, so it is worth deducting the equivalent amount from the main meal. You can read more about keeping an eye on your dog's weight, especially in the cold season, in our article on winter weight gain in dogs.
Phase out the reward gradually
At the start you reward every correct behaviour so that your dog quickly understands what it is about. Once an exercise is solid, you no longer need to give a treat every time. Then reward irregularly and alternate between a treat, praise, a short game or a stroke. This variety keeps your training exciting, and your dog stays motivated even when something edible does not follow every time. The treat remains a tool; it never becomes a requirement.
Frequently asked questions
How many treats may my dog have during training?
As a guide, treats should make up no more than around ten per cent of the daily food amount. Keep the pieces small and deduct the amount from the main meal, and then you can reward generously even on a longer training day without your dog gaining weight.
Am I spoiling my dog if I train with treats?
No, as long as you reward rather than bribe. Always give the treat only after the right behaviour and phase it out gradually once exercises are solid. That way the treat stays a confirmation and does not become the condition for your dog joining in at all.
What do I do if my dog does well indoors but not outdoors?
There is far more distraction outdoors, so it is worth working with a particularly popular treat there and practising in a calm setting first. Increase the difficulty slowly. If your dog stays overwhelmed in certain situations despite your patience, a dog school or a dog trainer can help you specifically.
