How to Choose Perfect Dog Treats for Training Class

When choosing the right dog treat for training classes you have to consider texture, taste, size and color. Color? Sometimes the color of dog training treats will make a difference!

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Really excellent treats
• Bait bag or large pockets

Choose Perfect Dog Treats for Training Class

1. Choose soft (not chewy or hard) dog treats for training class. You want something your dog can gulp down quickly. A treat that he has to stop and chew will slow you down and lessen the impact of the reward. If the dog treat is too hard, he will often cough it back out. This slows you down while he stops to look for his treat a second time. If little pieces of treats are left on the training floor it will distract other dogs. Small moist treats, pieces of hot dog or cheese and cooked meat are all good choices.

2. Find treats that are extra special and tasty. Think of something your dog will only get for training class, and something he really likes. The treats will be a reward for a job well done and a motivator. He will be best motivated by really excellent, strong tasting treats. Variety is a great idea for very food motivated dogs because they'll get to anticipate. Will it be the boiled chicken or the string cheese this time? Nothing wrong with mixing it up.

3. Pick training treats that are small--just enough to eat in a single chomp. If you want to "jackpot" your dog by giving him a bigger treat for an exceptionally good performance, or to hold him in position, just feed him several at once. Treats no larger than pea size work well, even for the Rottweilers.

4. Admit it, you were wondering why you should choose treats based on color. Dog treats should be visible on the training floor. It makes it easier for both handler and dog to find inadvertently dropped treats and remove them so they won't be a distraction for other dogs. Also, in agility classes, treats are often tossed out for the dog to get. When teaching a dog to land close to a jump, for instance, treats are thrown just over the jump bar to target him. For motivating a dog to go fast through weave poles, a treat is often tossed ahead of him to drive him through the weaves. He needs to be able to see them clearly.Very often training floors are black matting so light colored treats are most suitable. Take note of the color of the training floor at your first class and choose treats accordingly.

Tips & Warnings

• You can buy treats formulated just for training. Bil-Jac is one brand to look for.
• Hot dogs are quite healthful and a great, inexpensive choice.
• If you don't have a bait bag, a small fanny pack works well.
• It's best to let your dog miss a meal, or feed him half a meal, before training class. He will work better if he's a bit hungry, as nobody does their best job on a full stomach.
• Many training treats are high in fat and calories so watch out for unhealthy caloric intake.
• Don't use too many real liver treats. Too much liver can cause loose stool.