The Value Of Using Food In Your Puppy Training

Congratulations on adding a new puppy to your family! There is a lot of information out there on how to train a puppy, but most dog trainers agree on one thing: training your puppy with food is incredibly helpful. In this blog post, we'll explore the wonderful world of using food to train your new puppy, turning mealtime into a bonding and educational experience.

1. Choose the Right Treats:

Not all treats are created equal when it comes to training. Opt for dime to nickel sized, soft treats that are easy for your puppy to chew and swallow quickly. While training with kibble can be a great tool for an older dog, puppies tend to chew much more slowly which can affect the progression of your training. We love "dog food" that can double as treats, such as RedBarn Meat Rolls, Vital Fresh Pet, or frozen Biljac if it is available in your area. Using a balanced diet in your training routine means you can decrease the amount of food given during mealtime without pumping your puppy full of "junk" during training sessions.

2. Timing is Everything:

Timing is crucial in dog training. Offer treats immediately after your puppy successfully follows a command or exhibits desired behavior. This creates a clear connection between the action and the reward, reinforcing good behavior. We recommend researching and implementing a clear "marker training system" for even better communication and faster results!

3. Basic Commands with Treats:

Start with basic commands like sit, down, and name recognition. Hold a treat close to your puppy's nose and slowly move it upward to encourage the sitting position. Once your pup sits, reward them with the treat and praise. Repeat this process for other commands, using treats to lure the puppy into the position you are asking for. Professional dog trainers don't name obedience commands until they're being executed well... so don't worry about asking for a "sit, SIT, SIT!" until you are able to easily use your food to get the puppy into the right position.

4. Use Mealtime as a Training Opportunity:

Piggy backing onto the above treat recommendations, feeding your puppy from a bowl can be a huge missed opportunity. Incorporate training into your puppy's regular mealtime routine. Instead of simply placing the food bowl down, ask for a command or two before allowing your pup to indulge. Or, load your treat pouch or training vest full of a meal-sized amount of food and practice your training repetitions piece by piece. This not only teaches obedience but also makes mealtime an interactive and engaging experience.

5. Puzzle Toys and Treat Dispensers:

Have a busy day and won't be able to squeeze in a few training sessions? Keep your puppy mentally stimulated by incorporating puzzle toys and treat dispensers into their training routine. These toys challenge your pup's problem-solving skills while rewarding them with tasty treats. It's a fun way to combine mental exercise with crate training, for example.

6. Be Consistent:

Consistency is key in dog training. Stick to a routine and be consistent with your commands and rewards. This helps your puppy understand what is expected of them and reinforces the connection between the action and the treat. Don't ask for things you can't or won't enforce, as that teaches puppies that what you ask them to do is optional. We recommend keeping your puppy on a leash in the house for at least the few months they are home, so you can prevent naughty behaviors from occurring (plus, it's great for potty training!).

Enjoy the journey of watching your puppy learn and grow, one delicious treat at a time! If you need help on your puppy training journey, we offer puppy boarding and training camps as well as private puppy training sessions to guide you during this critical period in your new dogs life. Give us a call today!