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Originally Posted by Yorkiekids  That was really interesting. I guess you have to keep your pockets full of treats when you're first trying to train them. |
Using food rewards gets the fastest results- we all know our furbabies put food first!!!! Not only is it highly desirable to a dog, but it is also natural. In the wild, dogs have to hunt and work for food. It is their instinct to have to do a little problem solving to obtain food. That is what training pretty much is for a dog- figuring out what it is that makes the person give them what they want.
You don't need to use food though; Paddington's biggest reward for doing a trick is his tennis ball! He also works just to hear the click at this point- it is synonymous with the treat because they have been paired sof requently. If you do want to use treats, no need to soil your pockets; you can get a treat pouch that holds treats, tennis balls, and a clicker, that hooks right to your belt loop or leash!
-O