Secrets to Using Food in Animal Training

"We know that positive reinforcement training is good for dogs (and cats!) because it keeps their brains active, helps to build the human-animal bond, and teaches them skills that help them live in a human world. But do you ever think about how it also provides enrichment in the form of little morsels of tasty food? This aspect of training is often overlooked by pet guardians,"

"who sometimes grumble about the need to use food in training. But food is a great way to motivate your dog or cat to do particular behaviors or teach them to love something they aren't sure about (or are even downright scared of). And as a bonus, because the food we use in training is not their daily kibble, it provides tasty bites of food enrichment."

Positive reinforcement training keeps pets mentally active, strengthens the human-animal bond, and teaches practical skills for living with people. Food functions as the primary motivator in training because pets will work for tasty rewards. Training treats differ from daily food and therefore act as food-based enrichment. Treat selection and handling matter for training success. At home, chopped cooked meat can be refrigerated for sessions and packaged treats work well. When out, treats can be carried in a small baggie, bait bag, or fanny pack, which can also hold poop bags.

Read at Psychology Today