Reward-based positive reinforcement is an effective technique to teach your little pupper good manners. However, a popular misconception exists about positive training that puppy owners should give out dog treats as rewards every time their furry pet follows an instruction.

Excessive consumption of treats can cause overweight and obesity issues in canine fur babies, putting them at higher risk of developing medical conditions like hyperthyroidism, diabetes, and heart, bone, and joint problems. It can be especially concerning if your pet isn’t used to an active lifestyle.

Focus on your puppy’s dietary needs and consider being prepared with pet health insurance to manage unexpected health issues with minimum financial burden at the same time. Contemplate purchasing pet insurance for dogs because health issues can be unpredictable and some unavoidable.

Meanwhile, read this article to learn about life rewards and how to integrate them into your puppy’s training.

The core principle of positive training

The positive training rule suggests rewarding polite behaviors. This way, both the parent and the puppy can win. However, the owner should withhold the reward when their puppy fails to obey the instructions. Hence only disciplined pups can expect good things to come their way and, more specifically, something they want.

Using life rewards

Command training a dog for the first time calls for using food rewards so the session proceeds smoothly and the puppy picks up the command quickly. Food helps grab your puppy’s attention, lure it to follow instructions, and reward it for complying. At this point, incorporate the life reward as your puppy has completed mastering a particular command.

The life reward is a calorie-free positive reinforcement technique that allows your puppy access to whatever it wants, provided it follows your command first. Help your puppy pick up polite behavior without relying on the tasty treats in daily life.

Here are some examples of how to implement the life reward tactic to help your pup master the “Sit” command.

1. Is Fido eagerly waiting for you to throw a plaything? Sure, you can throw it but first, ask your furry baby to sit and wait for it to plop its rear on the floor. Your puppy will get a toy only if it sits.
2. Fido wants to put on the leash and head out for a walk? This is a good idea, of course, but it can happen only if your pet sits calmly while you clip the leash. Suppose your puppy breaks the “Sit” command; walk away for some time before starting again.
3. Does Fido want to dash through the door? Ask your furry pet to calm down and sit until you open the door. Any attempts to door dash can be checked by shutting the door and canceling the plans to go out until peace is restored.
4. Does Fido want to check what you are preparing in the kitchen or hastily dig into its dish? When your fur baby stands, jumps, or restlessly moves around while you are busy cooking food, take a break, and move out of the kitchen; return only when your little pupper sits in a place.

Do you think giving treats to a puppy every time it obeys a command for the rest of its life is a healthy practice? We don’t think so. Some situations demand long-term food rewards, but there are many others depending on various reinforcement techniques that don’t involve food.

Make healthy training choices and consider being prepared with pet health insurance so your canine pet gets top-notch medical help in needy times of health. Contemplate purchasing pet insurance for dogs so unanticipated pet health expenses can be managed effectively.