Dogs respond best to food treats instead of petting praise or punishment, according to researchers. Erica Feuerbacher has found that dogs will stay near a person who’s praising them for the same amount of time as if they’re being ignored. Punishment also works to change behavior, but can have serious side effects including damaging the human-animal bond.
Source: Associated Press, October 1, 2019. Link.
Using treats during training is the best way to guarantee that your dog will repeat the behavior you want.” The American Kennel Club.
INSIGHTS: This is a good article to share via social media, newsletters and within local training communities. The challenge is positioning treats as rewards for proper behavior and to have them considered in the total dietary needs of each individual animal.