Advanced Strategies for Utilizing Food Rewards in Working Line GSD Training
Many dog trainers often underestimate the importance of selecting and varying the types of treats used across different training applications. This common oversight can significantly affect training outcomes. Reflecting on past decades of working line GSD training, when prominent figures such as William Koehler and Winifred Strickland dominated the industry—food was rarely used as a training tool. The prevailing argument was, once a dog was no longer hungry, then what will the trainer do…?
Dog training has evolved and changed since those days. The techniques and philosophies espoused by Koehler and Strickland now seem as outdated as the Model-T Ford—functional but far from optimal. Modern training paradigms have demonstrated that when applied correctly, food rewards can create a dog eager to learn, actively engaged in problem-solving, and enthusiastic about training. Additionally, incorporating treats into training sessions enhances the bond between handler and dog.
The Importance of Markers in Working Line GSD Training
Once a handler decides to incorporate food into the training regimen, it is crucial to understand how to do so effectively. Marker training, or clicker training, has emerged as the most efficient method. Numerous resources, including articles, DVDs, and online courses, substantiate its efficacy. Marker training has shed light on the critical fact that different treats yield distinct results in training. This realization underscores the importance of not only knowing how and when to use food but also what kind of food to use.
Evolution of Treats in Working Line GSD Training
In the early 1980s, instructional DVDs commonly demonstrated the use of small pieces of hot dogs as training treats. While this method was effective, the past 25 years have witnessed dramatic advancements in the variety and quality of dog treats available. The increasing popularity of all-natural diets for dogs reflects a growing awareness that most commercial dog foods are subpar. This shift in sentiment was starkly highlighted during recent pet food recalls that led to the deaths of thousands of animals. Consequently, the demand for all-natural dog treats has surged.
Different Treats for Different Tasks
Today, dog trainers have access to a broad spectrum of all-natural treats. It’s essential to have a variety of treats for several reasons:
1. Individual Preferences: The treats your dog loves may differ from those another dog prefers.
2. Motivational Value: Each treat carries a different motivational value for different dogs. It is critical to gauge your dog’s reaction. Adjust and respond accordingly.
Learning to read your working line GSD reactions is paramount. Some high-value treats can be so stimulating that they distract your dog, making it difficult for them to focus on complex tasks. Conversely, mid-level value treats are optimal for challenging tasks that require concentration. For simpler exercises, lower-value treats suffice.
For example, when rewarding my dog for coming to me during a walk, a crunchy treat that takes a few seconds to eat (like Charlee Bear Grain Free Crunch) is suitable. However, during focused training sessions, treats like Bocce’s Bakery Training Bites, which are easier to eat and quickly consumed, are ideal.
Utilizing Treat Toys
Treat toys, such as Treat Dispensing Chew Balls, can significantly enhance training by keeping dogs engaged. The size of the toy’s opening will determine the type of food treats used. Combining larger treats (like Fresh is Best Freeze Dried Treats or Green Mountain Treats) with smaller ones (like Chewy Tricker Trainer Treats) can create a trail mix that rewards the dog for trying while maintaining interest. For dogs adept at quickly unloading treat toys, larger, more challenging treats can be used.
The ultimate goal is to keep the dog occupied and engaged without causing frustration. Monitoring and adjusting the mix of treats and toys to suit your dog’s needs will yield the best results.
Innovating with Treat Toys
Like advanced zoos that employ creative methods to stimulate animals’ minds by hiding food in logs or freezing it in ice blocks, trainers can use similar techniques with dogs. For instance, filling treat toys with a dog’s daily ration of food and freezing them can keep a crated dog occupied for hours.
Practical Considerations for Treats in Working Line GSD Training
Some treats have a longer shelf life, which is crucial if you carry treats in your coat pocket or bait bag. Quick-to-get-slimy or moldy treats might be inconvenient, despite their value in marker training. Correct storage and planning around the treat’s lifespan are vital to effective training.
Introducing New Treats
Always introduce a new treat to your dog before using it in a training session. Letting your dog try a new treat at home first ensures they won’t be distracted by unfamiliarity when it matters most. This practice prevents disruptions in the flow of training and helps identify treats your dog genuinely enjoys.
Criteria for Selecting Dog Treats
When selecting treats, we look for healthy options first. While we maintain strict standards for our dogs’ main diet, we are more lenient with treats, occasionally allowing ‘doggy junk food.’ Our selection process involves scrutinizing ingredients, testing treats in training sessions, and gathering feedback from multiple dogs.
Food Motivation in Working Line GSDs
Some dogs have high food drive, while others seem disinterested. All dogs can have food drive; the key is to evoke it effectively. Trainers should adjust feeding schedules so dogs are hungrier during training, making food rewards more impactful. High-value treats like steak can be particularly effective in capturing a reluctant dog’s interest. Adjusting the dog’s diet and feeding routine can enhance food drive and motivation in training.
Treat Size Combined with an Overwhelming Response
The optimal size of a food treat is comparable to a pencil eraser, allowing the dog to consume it quickly and maintain training momentum. Small treats are also effective for jack-potting—a technique used to reward the dog with several treats for exceptional performance. The idea behind this term is that when a dog performs exceptionally well, the treats the working line German Shepherd receives is akin to hitting the jackpot on a slot machine.
Building Prey Drive in Working Line GSDs
Food treats can also stimulate prey drive, essential for certain training exercises. Quick movements with food or placing high-value treats in a sock for a tug game can enhance a dog’s prey drive. This method is particularly useful for working line German Shepherds with low inherent prey drive but high food motivation.
Customized Training Approaches
Every trainer must develop a customized approach to using food rewards, tailored to their specific training objectives. Customized training approaches will involve experimenting with different treats, observing the dog’s reactions, and making dog specific adjustments. Trainers should be prepared to adjust their methods based on the feedback and progress observed during training sessions.
Conclusion
Training with food is a foundational element for fostering engagement and achieving training goals. By understanding and leveraging the motivational value of various treats, trainers can enhance the learning process and strengthen the bond between handler and dog. For further insights and guidance, explore our training articles here at Czech Working Line for more advanced dog training techniques.
