How to Use Treats to Train Puppies

Puppies are easily motivated by food. Using treats to train a puppy is an excellent way get him to do what you want, according to veterinarian Marty Smith of Drs. Foster &Smith Inc. It's important to treat as soon as the desired action is performed to reinforce the proper behavior. For example, if you call the dog and she comes, offer the treat before she has a chance to move away. If you treat too late, dogs will associate the last behavior performed -- i.e., going away from you -- with the award.

Things You'll Need

  • Small dog treats
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Instructions

  1. Preparation

    • 1

      Break apart the treat you've chosen into bite-size morsels. Soft treats can be torn by hand into smaller pieces. This will make the treats more manageable for the puppy and will prevent her from becoming full.

    • 2

      Hold the treats in the left hand while grasping one piece firmly in the right hand

    • 3

      Lead the dog to a quiet room with few or no distractions.

    Training

    • 4

      Give the dog one of the treats. This shows the puppy that the treats are tasty and will spark his interest.

    • 5
      Treat the dog as soon as he looks at you.

      Call the dog's name in a bright, happy, high-pitched voice. Immediately give the puppy a treat as soon as he establishes eye contact, even if only briefly.

    • 6

      Wait 30 seconds. The puppy should begin to look around or wander slightly away. Call the dog's name again in the same voice. As soon as she establishes eye contact, give her a treat. Repeat four more times.

    • 7

      Call the dog's name again. This time do not give the dog a treat. Instead say "Yes!" and enthusiastically pat him on the head.

    • 8

      Say the puppy's name and hand out a treat as soon as he establishes eye contact. When the puppy has mastered this technique and knows his name, begin to slowly remove the treat as an award. Begin to treat four times then praise on the fifth, treat four times and praise the third and so on. If the puppy begins to lose interest, the treat was removed too soon.

    Teaching the Sit Command

    • 9

      Stand in front of the puppy. Hold the treat firmly in the right hand and allow the dog to see it.

    • 10

      Hold the treat above the dog's head slightly above eye level. The dog should have to look up to see it. If the dog does not look at the treat, lower it until he does, then move it back to just above eye level.

    • 11
      Move the treat above his head so he's forced to sit down to look at it.

      Slowly move the treat from eye level to above and a little behind the dog's head. If the dog backs up, the treat was moved too fast.

    • 12

      When the dog's butt touches the floor, immediately treat the behavior. Repeat steps 2 through 4, four to five more times.

    • 13

      Hold the treat at the dog's eye level. Give the command "Sit" and move the treat slowly behind his head. Give the puppy a treat as soon as his butt touches the floor. Repeat four or five more times.

    • 14

      Hold the treat out in front of the puppy. Give the command "Sit." Wait 10 seconds. If the dog sits, immediately give him a treat. If the puppy does not sit, go back to Step 5.

    • 15

      Once the puppy sits on command, begin to alternate a treat with praise. Use words such as "Yes!" and "Good Sit!" to reinforce the behavior.