ezzy333 wrote:Next time you go hunting and find a bird, when you kick it up have a piece of candy rather than shoot and see if you come home with more birds and enjoy it more. Bet you won't be able to wait till you can go again.
Well, point taken. But I think that's a little over the top.
I think I made the mistake of assuming that the treats in the "training sessions" were for basic commands and introductary yard work for a puppy. With that assumption, I stand by what I said. Treats are not harmful at all and actually are very beneficial to speed things along.
I never carry treats in the field. I certainly didn't mean to insinuate that I use treats for field work. As mentioned, finding birds is treat enough. Handle it properly and a retrieve is the next level of reward.
Treats can also be transitioned into other forms of reward, so you won't be strapped into giving food treats all the time. Don't think that, just because you gave your dog a treat to get him to do the right thing, you'll have to give him one every time or he will start blowing you off. A treat in beginning training can easily be changed into just a praise reward down the road. It works, I've done it.
ViniferaVizslas wrote:I only use food rewards to teach the meaning of a command then praise as a reward/reinforcement. Food rewards are effective for young puppies when you don't want to use a correction and you want the pup to focus on the lesson at hand. I never use them outside of my home.
Small, soft and tasty. The dog should literally swallow the reward not chew it. If it's big enough to chew the dog will be distracted from the lesson and may try to run off to enjoy his snack. I use cheese or Bil-Jac brand liver treats.
This is exactly what I meant on both counts. (use and size)
