Dogs love to get treats. We love to give our dogs treats. Treats are also essential tools in puppy and dog training. So one of the first things we need to do is teach our dog to take treats gently, without biting our fingers or lunging for the food. It’s bad manners to let a dog take treats before you offer them.
Teaching a dog to take treats gently is therefore one of the fundamentals of teaching dogs good manners. It’s not difficult, however. There are a few techniques you can use to help your dog learn to wait and take the treat from your fingers carefully. The earlier you practice the following with your puppies, the better.
Tips on teaching your dog to take treats gently and correctly
Make a fist around the treat so that your dog can’t see it, but knows that there is something good there. Tell him to ‘sit and wait’ before opening your hand. Give him the treat when you open your hand, but only open your hand when your dog is sitting and waiting, as instructed.
When you open your hand to reveal the treat, do so slowly and gently. Dog’s take their behaviour cues from us in new situations and in training. So, if you want your dog to take treats in a gentle manner, offer them in a gentle manner.
Make sure your dog stays sitting down (if he has been instructed to do so) when he takes the treat,. Praise him afterwards. If he stands and lunges forward, close your hand. Gently admonish him, getting him sitting to attention again, then open your hand again.
Strategy and consistency in training your dog to take treats
Do not tease your dog by not giving him the treat – unless he disobeys you first. If he is being obedient, give it to him each time you open your hand to reveal the treat. If you are consistent, he will learn to trust you and obey you to get his reward.
If your dog keeps lunging forward and trying to take the treat before it is offered, trick him into hesitating by balling both fists so he is not sure which hand has the treat. Open the hand without the treat if he is overenthusiastic. When you do open the correct hand, and he takes the treat gently, praise him. Repeat the exercise until he learns that the best strategy is to wait, sitting, standing, or lying down as instructed until the treat is offered.
If he bites or is otherwise rough, pull the treat back and close your fist again. Again, be consistent – this time only giving the treat to him when he takes it carefully and gently from the correct hand.
Praise your dog every time he does it right. Admonish gently every time he doesn’t.
Last but not least, wear gloves at the early stages of teaching your puppy or dog to take treats. Your fingers will thank you! Removing the gloves and offering the treats with bare hands will also be a cue for your dog to know he is doing it right – so do only do it when your dog takes the treat gently
