Why Treat Training Doesn't Work For Your Dog

[@kitkat-gc4ux]

I really appreciate how you guys go over food drive!!! So much of dog training involves treats, but not a lot of people review what to do if the treats are refused!!! My puppy had a long history of refusing treats, which was unfortunately in part due to a Giardia infection. But the spirit dog advice has been so helpful in building up her food drive now that she has her appetite back!! I definitely felt hopeless at one point but we are now making great progress and she's taking treats in a variety of situations. Looking forward to implementing the advice in this video as well.

[@spiritdogtraining]

That's great to hear that you're making progress now! I'm so glad our videos have helped, and thank you for your kind words

[@TheCutter9]

Thank you for this. We have been struggling with our puppy and all the videos we see seem to show dogs which instantly respond to treats; ours doesn’t . This is super helpful and encouraging

[@spiritdogtraining]

You're welcome! I'm glad it was able to provide some encouragement ❤

[@andreajennings2967]

Love this very straightforward explanation of dog training.

[@spiritdogtraining]

Thank you- glad you enjoyed!

[@5thbaker82]

This is so helpful, thanks! 🙌

[@spiritdogtraining]

Thank you! So glad it's useful :)

[@maryv9832]

Just the video I was looking for! Thanks for the helpful information :)

[@spiritdogtraining]

I'm glad that you found it helpful! ♥

[@mochi_and_me]

Please show treat training with dogs as small as you poodles. I'm a senior and it's difficult to bend to treat training. Any suggestions?

[@spiritdogtraining]

Hi There, Many of our students have used a method like we show in this video for delivering treats to their smaller dogs: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rnPKd3ehirV-e80

[@jimandsteffunnydellafiora4475]

Very helpful. Thanks

[@spiritdogtraining]

Glad you found it helpful!

[@faithduffy4743]

So, what do you advise to BUILD food drive for a dog who is not *highly* food motivated, and/or is extremely picky? I feel like we've watched and consumed so much content about this, but his food drive hasn't changed

[@spiritdogtraining]

Hi There, This video is part of a playlist on Food Motivation issues. You can find the whole playlist here: kzbin.info/aero/PLIR2jCh8pvHgT37IIYoME-wrluJekrShe There is a video called "Training A Dog Who Doesn't Like Treats" that offers suggestions to change and build food drive. :)

[@karlaloppi4974]

Such realistic notions, understanding us humans as well as dogs. We are kibble trainers 😅 I wonder should I still use some higher value treats with the most difficult challenges, like building positive associations to harnesses and nail clippers 🤔 Or would it just make my very food driven dog go over his threshold of comfort ''cause I must have that treat!!!" and actually harm reaching the ultimate goal?

[@spiritdogtraining]

For very food motivated dogs we can run the risk of them going over their threshold in the name of the food! For things they are very worried about I would focus more on breaking it down into even smaller steps if possible and going from there!

[@HettyThomae]

My six year old (puppy mill Mom) Yorkie will take a treat from me but then she runs away. Today when she ran away she banged her head on the coffee table. We just got her in October, so she is very new. I am taking your baby steps advice very seriously. Should I lay a trail of treats that moves her towards me and gradually put the last treat closer to me? Is there another method? Tonight I used her supper to work on this.

[@spiritdogtraining]

Hi There, Thanks for reaching out! Some dogs will push through their fear to try and get food, so sometimes laying trails of treats like this isn't as helpful as it may seem, as our dog is pushing through the fear. I would work on not forcing interactions and tossing the treats randomly throughout the day and doing a lot of ignoring the dog so that she can warm up at her pace- which actually will often speed things up!

[@HettyThomae]

@@spiritdogtraining thank you. I will try that.

[@opticyclic]

I haven't got this far yet, but how do you first introduce wildlife with this? Due to where we live, my Husky chases (and sometimes catches) rabbits along our fence line every day

[@spiritdogtraining]

Hi There, Is this within your own yard? This would be a long and complex process to work on, as the behaviour is self rewarding.

[@opticyclic]

It is within our own yard because we back onto a forest.

[@spiritdogtraining]

@@opticyclic This would require management to begin with- so taking your dog out on leash so they can't continue to practice the behaviour of chasing the rabbits!