No Treats For Dog Training? Using Toys Instead?

[@karoldu4018]

It makes so much sense now... I`m working with GSD at the rescue and most of them wouldn`t take the treats but mainly because of the excitement and I was told to use toys, but instead I nearly got my fingers bit off while trying to teach the dogs calm behaviors and now I know why. Finding the Spirit Dog Training and joining the Academy is honestly the best thing I did this year. Thank you so much.

[@spiritdogtraining]

You're so welcome! I'm glad to hear that it's been so helpful for you and our trainings have made sense ❤ 🐾

[@dejavu333]

That makes sense! Thank you.

[@spiritdogtraining]

Glad it was helpful 💕

[@goymedhundDogtrainingBehavior]

This video is SO important.. I have heard several of my friends but also clients that say: as long as they play they have no pain.. makes me crazy.. Your story is such a good example.. ( So happy it all went well with the amputation)

[@spiritdogtraining]

Thank you for sharing your experience with this! I'm glad to hear that you could relate and found it relevant- it's definitely a big issue people need to be more aware of!

[@paulahill7264]

I am a little confused by the statement, don't use a toy if your dog is simply refusing treats. My pup is so prey-driven and will not come to me if distracted by squirrels or something in a hole in the ground. So is that not a good time to use a toy? She completely ignores me and not interested in treats at all when triggered off-leash or on.

[@spiritdogtraining]

Did you see the end of the video? I address using toys for recalls specifically there :) The statement to not use toys simply because the dog is refusing treats applied specifically to the situations that I described where dogs may be too scared, stressed, uncomfortable or unable to handle the environment.

[@jeanhewitt9291]

Great info!

[@spiritdogtraining]

Thank you :)

[@lisahollis8810]

@spirtdogtraining please may I have access to the link mentioned? As I cannot see it below as advised in your video...

[@spiritdogtraining]

They are in the description below the video, YT just cut if off so if you click "Show more" you can see them :) Here they are for quick access: kzbin.info/www/bejne/d5a0nqSqhd91g5o kzbin.info/www/bejne/kHK9XmmLbr2GeM0

[@lisahollis8810]

Yes, I see them after pressing more below the video now! 😃 Thank you And thank you for the quick access links, very much appreciated 🙂

[@discoveringvigo]

Is it bad to use a toy instead of a treat with triggers? For example my dog is scared of people so if we’re at the park and he sees a person and gets alert, I mark it with a yes and then throw his ball away from the tigger that’s a bad idea? What about playing near his triggers?

[@spiritdogtraining]

So I am not a big fan of using toys in the beginning stages of reactivity training, because they do not create the emotional response I'd like to see in those dogs. Scared/stressed/reactive dogs need to feel calmer. With toys it is just very hard/not possible to create these calm associations. If you are interested, we actually have an extensive online course outlining how to address reactivity on our website: spiritdogtraining.com/tackling-reactivity/

[@laurynchristianson5634]

What if my sensitive boy gets suspicious when I do training with treats? He works much better with toys as the reward but I can see how that might not be a helpful reward if I am doing a relaxation protocol, for example.

[@spiritdogtraining]

Hi There! Would you be able to explain what you mean by suspicious? Just so I can best help!

[@laurynchristianson5634]

@@spiritdogtraining Yes! He's a border collie/cattle dog mix who notices patterns very quickly. So when treats are brought out in a way where he knows training will start (me sitting down and shaping something or asking for something) he shows stress signals and runs away. I do work with an in person trainer and we are finding sneaky ways to shape some behavior (place or chin rest for example) but wanted to see if you had other thoughts.

[@spiritdogtraining]

@@laurynchristianson5634 Does he not like training in general? Or was food maybe used one time to in his mind 'trick' him into doing something unpleasant? (Like getting into a bath etc)

[@laurynchristianson5634]

He is not a fan of training in general.

[@spiritdogtraining]

@@laurynchristianson5634 Will he do anything like treat chasing games?

[@paulahill7264]

and the link you mentioned? I don't see it "below"

[@spiritdogtraining]

Sorry about that! They are there now :)

[@paulahill7264]

@@spiritdogtraining got it!