At what point, age, or progress level do you stop using either hot dogs bits or small soft treats in training your pups? Right now we are having a blast and in no hurry her to rush her into training, but curious when I need to faze out the treats.
Partially reenforced behaviors become the most reliable.
The schedule of reinforcement may “lessen” as the dog matures but my 11 year old and 6 year olds are still very very happy to get the occasional treat for the performance of behaviors.
in every duck hunting parka or jacket I own, you will usually find a dog treat or two left over....also been known to have a petrified Dunkin Donut hole left in the blind bag from season's past....used to buy the pig's ears at Costco but those have been known to start a minor ruckus between the dogs
Just from my own experiences, like to wean pup off of those treat expectations when the time comes when you can re-enforce, and the pup understands it.
The time eventually comes, (speaking for myself), when it's a good idea to change those "want to's" into "have to's" and the Sunshine and Butterflies have to go.
But once pup understands what's expected of it without treats and will take praise as a trade off, I don't mind slippin' some hot dog bites back into the equation later
I am amending my response. I keep kibble in my jacket pocket and give it to them in the holding blind. A Dave Rorem technique. And they get treats at the end of training and bed time treats. But for actual training, as in my original post.
I know of at least one National Amateur Field Champion fed in the holding blind at a trial. Have done it myself on many occasions with different dogs. Calming affect on some dogs. Never say never in these dog games!
Depends entirely on the dog here. Some love food for ever. Others convert better to a retrieve/toy reward, others, even some labs prefer to play tug. Treats and other rewards should be viewed in order of importance to the dog and used accordingly. No magic knowledge from me there BTW, that's how it's done in a lot of other competitive venues and working dog programs.
a labrador retriever properly conditioned with "brim's" brand barbeque pork skins(only avalable in memphis and the mid south) and natural lite beer will never need to be force fetched.
Pretty interesting the different thoughts on them. I guess one way is never the absolute.
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