Dog training commands can be a useful way to teach your dog important behaviors and obedience. However, many dog owners struggle with the transition from using treats to praise and affection when training their dogs with commands. While treats can be effective at getting your dog to respond to commands, they are not a sustainable or healthy long-term solution.

To transition from using treats to praise and affection when training your dog with commands, there are a few steps you can follow:

1. Start by gradually reducing the frequency and amount of treats you use when training your dog. Instead of giving a treat every time your dog obeys a command, try giving a treat every other time or every third time.
2. Introduce more verbal praise and affection into your training sessions. When your dog obeys a command, use a happy and enthusiastic tone of voice to say “good dog” or “good job!” and give your dog a pat or scratch behind the ears.
3. Use other rewards besides treats to reinforce good behavior. For example, you could take your dog for a walk or play with them for a few minutes as a reward for obeying a command.
4. Be patient and consistent with your training. It may take some time for your dog to understand that they will still be rewarded for good behavior even if treats are not involved. Consistency is key when it comes to dog training commands, so make sure you are using the same commands and rewards every time.
5. Practice your dog training commands in a variety of settings and situations. This will help your dog generalize their training and understand that obedience is important no matter where they are or what is going on around them.

Remember, dog training is a process that takes time and effort. By gradually reducing your reliance on treats and introducing more verbal praise and affection, you can help your dog learn to obey commands without the need for treats. With patience and consistency, your dog can become a well-trained and obedient companion.

Read more:Essential Dog Training Commands for All Breeds