My dog refuses every treat we’ve bought

First and foremost, if you’re looking for treats for the sole reason that dog trainers always use treats for training, then read this first. Throughout lessons I will always tell my students to do their best to analyze THEIR dog. Training, just like teaching children,is not stagnant. Some dogs are motivated by food, others are motivated by other things such as toys, play, petting, scent trailing, etc. You need to utilize and leverage what your dog wants and don’t apply usual cookie cutter training methods as if every dog learns the same. Try rewarding your child, assuming you have kids, that hates to read, with a book. The kid would probably still say thank you for the gift, but sure enough you’ll be able to see the disappointment in their eyes. Dogs are no different!

Analyze what you’ve bought in the past

Just like human food, there is a vast array of options available when it comes to what you buy. Dog treats can be science based, animal based, plant based, holistic, you name it. I generally tend to lean toward both food and treats that have whole natural ingredients that are similar to what a dogs diet would pertain to if it wasn’t bought in store, aka harvested by the dog itself. Unlike food, I wouldn’t worry too much on “too much fat, protein, fiber, etc.” They’re not going to be getting huge bowls filled with these treats. So let the treat be tasty! Remember, if the dog does not like it… it’s not going to work. Should be easy enough to remember right?

What should I look for in a dog treat?

• As minimal amount of ingredients as possible
• Primarily protein / meat based treats
• Training an easy command that you will practice repetitively? Look for small squishy treats that you can break down to even smaller pieces
• Training a more difficult command? High reward! Something you don’t give very often (longer lasting chew, steak, chicken, etc).
• Dehydrated 1 ingredient treats are usually a big hit

Small Wet Treats

Utilize these recommendations for commands and tricks that are generally easier and commands that you generally tend on removing treats from. These are treats that can easily be broken apart into smaller pieces (a teaser).

Low / Minimal / Single Ingredient Treats

These can be used for easy to high difficulty commands but also for dogs who may have allergies or for someone who wants to monitor their dogs diet.

High Value Treats

Have a dog that isn’t very treat motivated? Working on more difficult commands (Such as a recall or “come” command) that requires a higher reward? These are several treats that are exactly what you need!

Recommended book

Contact us today!

As always, do not hesitate to text, call, or E-Mail if you have any questions, would like more information, or would like to set up training for your service dog work.

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