Comments on: How NOT To Train Your Dog With Treats

By: Shadow's & Ducky's Mom

Shadow's & Ducky's Mom — Thu, 13 Dec 2018 22:19:44 +0000

IF any good can come of a dog (or multiple dogs) developing super-sensitive stomachs, it’s the fact that one has to be extremely careful about re-introducing treats once the stomach has settled down and into a bland diet. As a result, I had to adapt Callie’s, Shadow’s and Ducky’s training to use praise instead of treats. But that was 4-5 years ago. I still mostly use the same treats that I started with because I don’t want to upset the proverbial apple cart.

As for bribery, hubby uses spoonfuls of ice cream, bites of his own dinner, etc…all the things that in excess upset Shadow’s and (to a lesser degree) Ducky’s tummies. And then gets angry with me when I insist that he stop bribing them. But that’s coming from the dementia.

By: Mike

Mike — Wed, 12 Dec 2018 18:34:54 +0000

From the Husband:
Pam, I don’t want you bribing Honey with treats anymore. After all, that’s *my* job.

By: Tenacious Little Terrier

Tenacious Little Terrier — Sat, 08 Dec 2018 05:21:40 +0000

Mr. N goes almost everywhere with me too so I’m also strict about manners so he’s welcomed and not shunned! We had a trifecta of temptations the other day which included another dog (but a service dog so obviously he couldn’t play with him), a child eating fast food and a guinea pig! Mr. N managed to keep his cool but I fretted over it.
And I think we all use bribery sometimes! Asking for incompatible behaviors helps sometimes. People WILL pet him over the head which Mr. N doesn’t like and sometimes complains about so I get people to ask him for a high five which he likes doing and they find fascinating enough to get distracted so they don’t pet him over the head!

By: Pamela

Pamela — Fri, 07 Dec 2018 19:09:35 +0000

In reply to Ruby and Kristin.

I don’t think there’s a single person who never bribed their pup with treats. And I bet it’s true for professional trainers as well.

But I like your idea of picking Ruby up when you need to. Although Honey weighs 50 pounds, she is lifted on and off the boat several times a day. I guess if I was really worried about her being too enthusiastic, I could pick her up too. 🙂

By: Ruby and Kristin

Ruby and Kristin — Fri, 07 Dec 2018 16:16:52 +0000

Full confession: I have definitely bribed Ruby a few times and I appreciate your pointing out the difference. Though usually this happens at home (not in public) when I am rushing out the door and she is acting stressed about my leaving. She does have a few issues from her previous life before us (we adopted her at age 7) and as a result is sometimes is mildly reactive to men that she doesn’t know that approach her from a certain angle. We continue to work through this with her. As a result, I am really careful when I take her to events and other places where she might face some of her triggers. Fortunately, I can pick her up and remove her from situations when she starts to get stressed.

By: Pamela

Pamela — Fri, 07 Dec 2018 15:10:57 +0000

In reply to 24 Paws of Love. Just goes to show, no matter how much time we spend around dogs there's already so much more to learn. And that's before we have to re-remember things we already knew. :)

By: Pamela

Pamela — Fri, 07 Dec 2018 15:00:22 +0000

In reply to Monika & Sam.

After all these years, I should know better. But as any parent will say, sometimes you just hope for a little bit of peace and you’ll do anything to get it. 🙂

BTW, I suspect Elsa behaves better than Ozzy Osbourne. I’m willing to bet she’s less addled. LOL

By: Pamela

Pamela — Fri, 07 Dec 2018 14:56:20 +0000

In reply to Madison.

I don’t expect much from most people who live with dogs. Where we’re currently docked, my husband and I are picking up several poops every time we walk Honey–and she only goes once!

But I was really disappointed at the irresponsible behavior at BlogPaws. I would have thought people involved enough with their pets to write about them would have more sense. Sadly, it wasn’t true for everyone.

But we press on. Hopefully well mannered dogs like you and Bailie and Honey will keep showing people how nice it is to have polite dogs in public.

By: 24 Paws of Love

24 Paws of Love — Thu, 06 Dec 2018 20:06:15 +0000

Our dogs are hyper when it comes to treats in general, and with people I prefer not to use them because they can get out of control. (nipping, grabbing treat). They are much better at learning things when they are by themselves. Believe me I’ve done the bribe thing, it doesn’t work with my dogs. Seems like it always backfires in my face.

Hope you’re not beating yourself up too much, Pamela. I think it is a common mistake among dog owners. Thanks for pointing it out. 🙂

By: Monika & Sam

Monika & Sam — Thu, 06 Dec 2018 19:06:18 +0000

That’s a powerful distinction (bribery & training). I hope I keep that distinction in my mind when I’m out with Elsa and she goes all Ozzy Osbourne over a dog half a block away. Thanks for sharing a powerful lesson.