Training your dog to respond to a verbal cue without the presence of a treat can be challenging, but it is an important part of dog training. Here are some steps you can take to teach your dog to respond to a verbal cue without a treat:

1. Start with a reliable behavior: Begin by practicing the behavior you want your dog to perform using treats as rewards. Once your dog has learned the behavior and is responding reliably to the treat, begin to phase out the treats.
2. Use intermittent reinforcement: Gradually reduce the frequency of treats and switch to intermittent reinforcement. Intermittent reinforcement is a method of rewarding your dog with a treat only sometimes, rather than every time they perform the behavior. This will help your dog learn to respond to the verbal cue even when there is no treat present.
3. Add verbal cues: Once your dog is responding reliably to the behavior, begin adding the verbal cue. Say the cue just before you ask your dog to perform the behavior, and gradually increase the time between the cue and the behavior. Make sure to praise and reward your dog whenever they perform the behavior in response to the verbal cue.
4. Practice in different environments: Dogs are highly context-dependent learners, so it’s important to practice the behavior and verbal cue in different environments. Practice in different rooms of your house, in the backyard, on walks, and in other locations to help your dog generalize the behavior and respond to the verbal cue in any situation.
5. Use natural rewards: Once your dog has learned to respond to the verbal cue, you can begin to phase out treats altogether and use natural rewards instead. Natural rewards might include verbal praise, petting, or the opportunity to play with a favorite toy.
6. Continue to reinforce the behavior: Even once your dog is responding reliably to the verbal cue without treats, it’s important to continue reinforcing the behavior with occasional treats and natural rewards. This will help ensure that your dog maintains the behavior and continues to respond to the verbal cue over time.

Remember, training your dog to respond to a verbal cue without treats takes time and patience. Be consistent and persistent, and don’t be afraid to seek the help of a professional dog trainer if you need additional guidance.

Read more:Choosing the Best Dog Training Treats