The Benefits and Drawbacks of Using Treats in Training Dobermans
Let’s not kid ourselves. Training a Doberman can be both rewarding and challenging. These intelligent and loyal dogs respond well to positive reinforcement, which can make treats an effective tool in their training. However, like any method, using treats has its pros and cons. In this article, we will explore both sides and list things to remember when using treats to train your Doberman while also providing a link to treat-free training at the end of this article.
Benefits of Using Treats in Training
Immediate Reinforcement: Treats provide instant feedback to your Doberman, helping them understand exactly which behavior is being rewarded. This clear communication can speed up the learning process.
Motivation: Many Dobermans are food-motivated, which makes treats an excellent motivator. This can be particularly helpful in keeping their attention during training sessions and encouraging them to engage in the learning process.
Positive Association: Using treats can help your Doberman develop a positive association with training, making it a fun and enjoyable experience for both of you. This can lead to a stronger bond and a more cooperative attitude during sessions.
Versatility: Treats can be used for a variety of training purposes, from basic obedience to more complex behaviors and tricks. This makes them a flexible tool in your training arsenal.
Drawbacks of Using Treats in Training
Overdependence: There's a risk that your Doberman may become too dependent on treats and may not perform the desired behavior without them. It's important to reduce the number of treats as training progresses gradually.
Health Concerns: Overusing treats can lead to weight gain and health issues, especially if the treats are not part of a balanced diet. It’s crucial to consider the type and amount of treats used.
Distraction: In some cases, treats can be more of a distraction than a help, especially if the dog becomes more focused on the food than learning the desired behavior. There’s such a thing as bribing the dog with a treat, which will cause the dog to only respond to a command if they know you have a treat. In the long term, this is not a proper training technique.
Cost: Believe it or not. This training method can become expensive over time, depending on the quality and quantity of treats used.
Things to Remember When Using Treats in Training
Choose Healthy Options: Opt for low-calorie, nutritious treats appropriate for your Doberman's diet. Consider using pieces of their regular food to minimize extra calorie intake. Beware of freeze-dried organ treats. While healthy, organs are extremely nutritious, and given the number of treats you will need to train your dog, you risk overdoing it with the vitamins and minerals in the organ treats. Freeze-dried treats are especially potent since the size of the pieces is deceiving.
Size Matters: Use small treats to avoid overfeeding. This is especially important for Dobermans, as they can be prone to weight gain and growing too fast when overfed.
Vary the Rewards: Along with treats, use praise, toys, and physical affection as rewards to prevent over-reliance on treats and to keep your dog motivated.
Timing is Key: Deliver the treat immediately after the desired behavior to ensure your Doberman makes the correct association. Delayed rewards can confuse your dog and slow down the learning process. However, do not bribe your dog with the treats to perform the behavior. This technique will backfire, so your Doberman will only listen to you when you have a treat for them. You may even say they listen to the treat but not you.
Fade Out the Treats: Gradually reduce the frequency of treats as your Doberman learns each new behavior. Start by rewarding every time, then move to intermittent rewards as they become more consistent.
Keep Sessions Short and Sweet: Dobermans have short attention spans like any other puppy. Moreover, adult Dobermans can also have shorter attention spans than some other breeds. The reason is that they’re constantly scanning their environment to ensure there’s no looming threat to their owners. Therefore, keep training sessions brief and positive. This will help maintain their interest and focus.
Be Consistent: Ensure that everyone involved in the dog's training uses the same commands and rewards system. Consistency is key to avoiding confusion and reinforcing learning.
As you’ve learned in this article, while treats can be a powerful tool in training your Doberman, they should be used wisely and as part of a balanced training strategy. By considering the benefits and drawbacks and following these guidelines, you can effectively use treats to train your Dobermans while maintaining their health and happiness.
If you’re interested in training your Doberman without treats, check out this article.
