If you’ve ever tried to train your dog using treats, you’re not alone. Treats are one of the easiest ways to communicate, motivate, and build trust. But as any furparent who’s ended up with a dog who only listens when there’s chicken in sight will tell you, it’s easy to get it wrong.
I’ve been there too. When we first brought Luna home, I thought I was being a smart trainer by always having treats on hand. What I didn’t realize was that I was unintentionally teaching her to only work for food. It took time, a lot of trial and error, and more than a few sideways glances from our trainer to figure out what I was doing wrong.
Let’s save you the backpedaling. Here are the five biggest treat-related mistakes I see people make when training their dogs — and how you can avoid them.
1. Overusing Treats for Every Command
Treats are meant to reinforce behavior, not become a bribe. If your dog only sits when you have a liver biscuit in your hand, they’re not really trained. They’re just making deals.
The fix: Start by using treats often, then gradually fade them out. Mix in praise, toys, or belly rubs so your pup learns that following commands brings all kinds of good things — not just snacks.
2. Timing the Reward Incorrectly
Timing matters more than you think. Dogs live in the moment. If you say “sit,” they sit, then you dig in your pocket for a treat — by the time you hand it over, they’re already sniffing the floor or turning away. Guess what behavior you just rewarded?
The fix: Have the treat ready before you give the command. Deliver it immediately after the correct behavior. Clickers can also help mark the exact moment they get it right.
3. Using Boring or Low-Value Treats
Imagine working hard and getting paid in stale crackers. Dogs are the same. If your treat isn’t exciting, your dog won’t be either.
The fix: Use high-value treats, especially when teaching something new or working in distracting environments. Think chicken, cheese, or freeze-dried liver. For daily practice, rotate in lower-value snacks so your dog doesn’t get bored — or bloated.
4. Not Varying the Reward Schedule
Dogs are smart. If they figure out they’ll get a treat every single time, their motivation might dip once you stop. But if they might get one, their focus actually improves.
The fix: Once a behavior is well-learned, start using variable reinforcement. That means sometimes they get a treat, sometimes just praise. It builds reliability and excitement — kind of like a slot machine, but healthier.
5. Training Only When You Have Treats
This one’s sneaky. If your dog learns that training only happens when you’re holding treats, they’ll tune out any other time. That’s not obedience — that’s opportunism.
The fix: Practice commands in everyday moments, even without food. Ask for a sit before opening the door, a down before playtime, or a stay while you grab the leash. Life itself becomes the reward.
Training with treats can be magical when done right. It builds confidence, connection, and a common language between you and your pup. But it’s not about handing out snacks — it’s about building a relationship where your dog wants to listen because they trust you, not just because you’ve got turkey in your pocket.
Remember, you’re not just raising a well-behaved dog. You’re raising a companion. A teammate. And every small, snack-filled moment is a step toward that lifelong bond.
