When training your dog, or maintaining the training when your dog comes home from a customized Love Wags A Tail board-and-train boot camp, be sure to have a wide variety of food rewards at your disposal. Why? Because when you are competing against bigger distractions, you need an outstanding food reward your dog will focus. Otherwise, his focus will wander off on the distraction. He will work to get the reward that appeals to him at any time: whether it is the food you have or the squirrel up the tree. A dog will ignore you or walk away for better things if you offer food rewards that don’t appeal to him especially when there are competitive rewards available.
You can categorize food rewards into three types – A, B, C.
The A-group is the most appealing treat to the dogs. For example, most dogs would do anything for a piece of steak or other kind of meat. Most dogs love cheese, too.
A B-group treat may be dehydrated apples or bananas, diced dog food roll, an animal cracker, or some other dry tidbit that isn’t usually found in the dog’s food bowl.
A C-group training treat would most likely include a dog’s daily kibble, a carrot, or other food the dog will eat just because he’s hungry.
Think about your dog and what tasty food will fit under each category for him. Then make a list and follow through by having some from each list on hand.
And please read the labels on over-the-counter dog treats. Some dog treats look and feel like Play Dough. They smell awful, and the label reads like a list of chemicals. It’s so much better to feed your dog food that is natural.
So take a little time to make your list then fill your dog’s treat pantry with the good stuff that will motivate him to do great things.
To send your dog to the Love Wags A Tail board-and-train camp for motivational learning with our cast of characters, contact us with your dog training, behavior modification wish list to get started.
Helen Verte Schwarzmann
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Certified in Training and Counseling
Certified Pet Dog Trainer-Knowledge Assessed
Certified Trick Dog Instructor
AKC STAR Puppy, CGC, and Trick Dog Trainer and Evaluator
Your Board-and-Train Dog Trainer for south and southwest Florida, Southwest Ranches, Plantation, Fort Lauderdale, Weston, 33326 33327 33331 33332 , Broward, Collier, Lee county
