When Not To Use A High Value Food Reward

[@hawkeye98]

Great advice.

[@amyk8964]

Thank you!! I needed to know this!!

[@ronaldcomandante399]

Good morning here from Philippines. I have a 7mos Labsky mix and I've got quite a good engagement. Early on, I used boiled chix breast for luring but he's also got good food drive using his pellets. May I know how you do it to gradually minimize treats until he obey with no treats or just even with minimal treats?

[@o0sunsi0o]

Good question.

[@TuiSansburg]

If he works great with pellets, stick to that only. Otherwise, changing between pellets and chicken can either demotivate him and only work for chicken down the line. The opposite of what your goal appears to be. Start to mark your behaviors and begin to substitute treats with markers / secondary reinforcers. Rewards come in toys, treats, OR affection. You dont have to rely solely on treats. Create engagement with your dog and become more valuable than treats overall through play or affection. I only use treats to shape behaviors through luring. Once I can see the dog has conceptualized the behavior, start to proof if with engagement. Hope this answers it