With early puppy training I have read and heard about giving treats
as rewards. Are they a good thing on a regular basis. I know with horses if you give them a carrot or polos every time you stroke them, it encourages nipping.
Also what are the best thing for treats? Do they do soft puppy friendly
ones or is it still the good old choc drop :)
Ali

Just be careful, as many 'treats' are designed to appeal more to humans than dogs, in that they are packed with artificial colourings and preservatives that can upset pups stomachs. I always use the adult version of the dried food that I feed the pup. Just a piece of kibble every now and again. Giving treats should be a lottery for the pup, not a vending machine! They need to learn to do things for you, not the treat.

Some owners give treats for all sorts of things. Me, I give them rarely, and prefer to give them a kind word and a pat when they do good. But I'm also short and sharp when they do bad.

Thanks Dave.:)
Sound advice.
I would much rather reward with a cuddle and a kiss than a sweet!!!
Blimey if I had given my two kids chocs left right and centre when they were potty training etc, I would have two monsters on my hands instead of the sweet little angels they have turned into
Ali

Hi Ali,
This is one of those 'no right answer' questions :D It can come down to personal preference. When my dogs were puppies, I rarely gave them treats. Just never really thought it was good or necessary for them.

I did use & still use a type as training aids. My favorite for that is "Pupperoni" sticks because I can tear them into tiny bits & dole them out as a reward for good performance. Still, they do their obediance work because they want to & not soley for the goodie. But it does tend to speed up a long distance off leash return & Samma tends to focus on it/me & not on aromas carrying in the wind :D

When I leave the house for work or a while, mine get full sized pig ears.... they're small dogs & chew well before swallowing. I also give them Iams Lamb & Rice biscuits as a substitute. Occasionally they get a certain type of rawhide bone & they suck on that for the afternoon. Sometimes cow's hooves. That's about it. They have never had an interest in Kongs or nylabones.

When we are travelling, since they're doing a lot more exercise, sometimes they get a little human food like veggies & fruits when we're having our breakfast or lunch. They eat only once a day though. Samma turns into a little porklet if she eats twice a day, no matter the amount.
But this all works out for me & my dogs. You have to determine what is best for your situation & puppy..... likely through trial & error, just like we all do :D
good luck,
toodles