Treat To Train

03/03/2025

I used to worry that training with treats meant I was "bribing" my pup—but here’s the truth: it’s all about timing and intention. A bribe is offering a treat before a command, which might get your dog to perform just for the treat rather than learning the behavior. A lure uses the treat as a guide to shape a behavior (like leading your dog into a sit), and then you gradually fade the lure out. A reward, on the other hand, is given after your dog has successfully performed the behavior, reinforcing the action and building lasting trust.

Scientific research supports this approach. For example, Herron, Shofer, and Reisner’s 2009 study in Applied Animal Behaviour Science found that positive reinforcement—rewarding the correct behavior after the fact—leads to more reliable, long-term results. So don’t fear those treats—they’re a proven tool for success!

22/02/2025

Have you ever wondered why puppies should learn tricks too? Trick training isn’t just a fun party trick—it plays a vital role in your puppy’s development. Teaching tricks provides mental stimulation that keeps their curious minds engaged, helping them develop problem-solving skills and focus.

Early trick training builds confidence, improves communication, and strengthens the bond between you and your pup. It’s great for their body too as they develop!

When our little puppy rolls over in class, it’s not only showcasing a cute move; it’s also practicing obedience, learning to follow commands, and developing the essential skills that contribute to a happy, well-rounded dog.

📸 Disco learning a roll-over trick today

19/02/2025

There are loads of benefits to visiting a private dog park!

Here are a few I know about around Pretoria and Johannesburg. Drop any others into the comments below 🤞

17/02/2025

Why Do Some Dogs Learn Faster Than Others? 🧠✨

A recent study on 150 dogs revealed some fascinating insights about what helps dogs succeed in training!

🔑 Key Takeaways:
✅ Age Matters – Younger dogs pick up new skills faster!
✅ Food Motivation is Key – Dogs trained with food rewards performed best! 🍖
✅ Training History Helps – Dogs with prior structured training had higher success rates.
✅ Owner Experience Matters – Dogs with experienced handlers were more likely to succeed!

📢 What This Means for You:

- Use high-value rewards to keep your dog engaged! 🦴
- Start training early to set them up for success!
- Learn about training techniques to be the best handler for your pup!

Let me know what you think in the comments❤️

Reference:
Azadian, A., & Protopopova, A. (2025). Factors influencing a hand-touch learning task outcome in the domestic dog (Canis lupus familiaris). Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 283, 106522.

14/02/2025

Dogs Feel Less Frustrated Around Their Humans! 💛

A recent study found that when dogs experience frustration—like expecting a reward and not getting it—they cope better when their owner is present. Just like us, having someone we trust nearby makes challenges easier to handle!

💡 Key Takeaways:
✔️ Dogs showed less frustration when their owner was present.
✔️ They gazed at the trainer longer, staying engaged instead of giving up.
✔️ Human presence can reduce stress and enhance learning in training!

🔎 What does this mean for you? Stay engaged during training! Your presence and support make a huge difference in helping your dog feel confident and resilient.

Article:
Dzik, M. V., Jousset, M., Vietti, J., & Bentosela, M. (2025). Effects of the presence of a human on frustration in domestic dogs: Is there a social buffering phenomenon?. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 283, 106503.

11/02/2025

SNIFF SPOTS TO EXPLORE: We’re sharing a few cool spots that we know of on the website!

Barks and Recreation is thoughtfully designed to enrich your dog’s experience and provide a safe, stimulating environment. 🌳 8000sqm of Fully Fenced Space – Plenty of room to run, chase, and play. Currently fenced with palisade, but additional fencing is being added for the safety of smaller ...

11/02/2025

Just sharing this again!
Please comment if you know of anymore that we haven’t added

Dog Parks that can be rented around PTA & JHB:

JHB:
- Barks and Recreation 😂🙋🏻‍♀️
- K9@Play in Randburg
- Genius dog park at Delta (weekdays)
- Ark Walk Park in Chartwell
- Benoni dog park
- Shaggy Chic Doggy Daycare and Boarding
- Country Dogs

PTA:
- Paws in the East (weekdays)

Please comment below if you know of any other parks👇

20/01/2025

🐾 Free Scentwork Webinar 🐾
Join me for a free Introduction to Scentwork webinar and discover how sniffing can improve your dog’s behavior, reduce stress, and add enrichment to their life.

📅 Date: Friday, 24th January 2025
⏰ Time: 6 PM SAST / 4 PM UK Time
💻 Location: Zoom

Don’t miss this fun and informative session—perfect for all dog parents!

👉 Register now to save your spot: https://mailchi.mp/treat-to-train/scentwork-introduction

Feel free to share this with other dog lovers! 🐕

08/01/2025

💥We’re starting 2025 with 25% off all our group course! 💥

Email [email protected]

This is for Johannesburg and Pretoria students!

25/12/2024

Merry Christmas! Have the best day today 🎄

Thank you to everyone that made this year so amazing. We are honored to have been part of your dog training journey!

19/11/2024

Does your dog go for a walk everyday? ❤️

18/11/2024

🚨 Struggling with a solid recall? Let’s break it down! 🚨

To teach your dog a reliable recall, start small and build up to the final behavior. Here's how to make it happen:

1️⃣ Start with basic orientation – Get your dog to focus on you first, then slowly introduce distractions. Gradually add in movement, but keep it simple at first.

2️⃣ Timing is key – Mark and deliver the food quickly enough to prevent reinforcing unwanted behaviors. The goal is for your dog to respond before getting distracted.

3️⃣ Work around distractions – Train away from the distraction or use barriers like gates and long lines to prevent your dog from rushing in. Management is your friend!

4️⃣ Build interest and success – Keep it fun and challenging, but make sure your dog is set up to succeed. Raise the difficulty gradually, so they don’t get overwhelmed.

5️⃣ Choose your rewards wisely – Start with food or toys, whichever is most motivating. The key is to keep things high-value and rewarding!

6️⃣ Stimulus control for chasing – Teach your dog to chase on cue, so they aren’t constantly distracted by movement!

Consistency, timing, and fun are the keys to success. Keep working on your recall, and remember, every little step forward is progress!

What’s your dog's favorite reward for recalls? Drop it in the comments! 👇🐾

www.treat-to-train.com

17/11/2024

I don’t want to burst anyone’s bubble but dogs aren’t pack animals. They’re still social animals but not pack animals anymore…

Many dogs would prefer being “only dogs” and many other dogs definitely need to have a buddy. It really depends on the individual dog.

Next time you want to get another dog, ask whether your dog really wants a friend.

16/11/2024

All I can say is YES and PLEASE!

MYTH: "Don’t take your puppy anywhere until they're fully vaccinated."

FACT: "The primary and most important time for puppy socialization is the first three months of life. For this reason, the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior believes that it should be the *standard of care* for puppies to receive such socialization before they are fully vaccinated. Behavioral issues, not infectious diseases, are the number one cause of death for dogs under three years of age." (AVSAB Position Statement on Puppy Socialization)

FACT: If you wait until your puppy is full vaccinated, you've missed their critical socialization period.

Vets, rescues and breeders who are clinging to the outdated belief that dogs should be prevented from socialization until fully vaccinated are not keeping up with the current research, literature and recommendations from behavior professionals.

12/11/2024

Definitely make time to attend this. The market days are always A LOT of fun!