How to Train Dogs That Are Not Treat Motivated

Professional dog trainer Kevin Salem advises that training dogs with treats alone can be detrimental to your dog's behavior. Dogs who are not treat-motivated actually have a marked advantage over other dogs̵2;they are likely to respond to your commands without relying on the prospect of a food reward afterward. Toting around treats can be cumbersome and you may confuse your dog if you don't have a treat with you when he behaves well. By using other methods to train your dog, you can command more respect from your canine companion and achieve long-term results.

Instructions

    • 1

      Practice consistency with your dog. Dogs learn by trial and error. Make sure each trial leads to the same result.

    • 2

      Work with your dog in short training sessions. Multiple sessions per day lasting five to ten minutes are ideal. Longer training sessions lead to frustration for the dog and trainer.

    • 3

      Determine a set verbal and physical cue for each command and stick to those commands and cues. A dog's brain associates actions and consequences. By settling on one set of verbal and physical cues, you are practicing consistency and letting your dog know what to expect from you so that he is able to perform to your expectations.

    • 4

      Make training sessions positive experiences. Reinforce the concept that good behavior leads to good consequences.

    • 5

      Rely heavily on verbal praise when training your non-treat-motivated dog. Treat her like she's the best dog in the world. Use a high-pitched voice and exaggerate your words. If training your dog seems like a chore, your dog will perceive obeying you as a chore.

    • 6

      Use the system of "ask, tell, command." This system of training allows your dog to learn from his behavior. Ask your dog in a normal tone of voice to comply with a verbal and physical cue. If he does, reward him with praise. If he does not, repeat the command and cue in a firm tone of voice. If he complies, reward him; if not, use your most stern tone of voice and physically position him to comply with the command.

    • 7

      Be repetitive. By repeating commands through the "ask, tell, command" system, you reinforce the pattern of action and consequence. Your dog will begin to process the information.

    • 8

      End your training sessions on a positive note. Ask your dog to perform a command she knows perfectly. This keeps your dog's self esteem high and leads to more positive behavior over time.