Why Are Training Methods Important In Dogs?
The method you use to train your puppy has implications on how fast the pet learns and whether or not the knowledge will be retained. As more information on canine’s psychology continues to come out, it’s emerging that using dog training treats is probably one of the most effective ways for dog training. Although negative reinforcement techniques may deliver fast and immediate results, they can also leave a lot of emotional scars on your pup.
Using dog training treats is a positive reinforcement technique and the great thing is that it works. This is simply the use of different kinds of rewards to train certain behaviors out or into your little pup.
According to most professional dog trainers, positive training techniques make the training process more interactive to the pup and have a way of inspiring a strong eagerness to learn. This makes it easier for results to be achieved.
Types Of Dog Treats To Use
There is no doubt that puppies love treats, but puppy training treats are different from regular treats. The regular milk dog bones and other bulky treats will not work for training. This is because they may cause unnecessary weight gain in your pet. So, what kind of treats should you use for training? The first thing to note is that size actually matters. Small pea sized puppy training treats are so much better for training. This is because when you are teaching your puppy new lessons, you will have to reward it several times before the trick is finally learned.
The last thing you want is a large and bulky treat. It will take too much time. Smaller low calorie puppy training treats ensure that the lessons can be delivered slowly and more effectively without the risk of weight gain. You can benchmark your puppy’s weight gain with our puppy weight chart calculator.
It’s also essential to make sure that the treats are high in protein. The great thing is that most of the treats we have listed above have plenty of protein.
How Many Training Treats Should You Use?
The amount of puppy training treats you use in one single day is very important. Although there’s no specific specification on the number of treats to use, it’s advisable to not go beyond 10% of your pup’s daily calorie intake. For example, if your pup needs a total of 300 calories a day, limit the calories intake through training treats to 30.
What Works Better For Training: Dog Treats Or Praise?
It really depends on the puppy. Some pups love the cuddles and attention during training while others love training. Take time to know your dog and what it likes. If your dog likes training treats, go for them. But if your pup is more of a praise pet, then you may want to consider that option.
Is Clicker Training Treats Any Different?
No, they are absolutely not! There is an initial phase in clicker training where the trainer clicks and hands out the dog treats almost immediately. This reinforces the association of the clicking noise and the treat in the dog’s mind. There’s, therefore, no rule as to the kind of dog training treats you can use for clicker training. As long as they are tasty and loved by your pup, they should work.
