How to use food to train (Ditch the Bowl)

So you’ve probably heard us say that you DO need rewards in training. Why? Because dogs are motivated to do behaviors that bring high value rewards, and less motivated to do behaviors that bring low value rewards. The easiest reward, that your dog needs anyway, is food. So you CAN use food, and treats, for training. But let’s pause (paws?”) for a minute and talk about food and your dog.

Paws for a Pause!

What do YOU think the difference is between Treats and Meals? Is there a difference?

You probably don’t think of your meals as “treats”. It’s just what you eat to sustain your body, physical activity and life. Or maybe it’s what you crave. Or maybe it’s whatever is convenient. Those are meals.

Treats are usually something awesome! Some of us like veggies. Some of us like cake. Some like fruit. Or a pop-tart. Or peanut butter. You get it. Treats are a higher value than our regular meals. They bring a level of expectation, excitment and often a dopamine release for happiness.

Same for your dog. Treats are something that bring pleasure. They are great to work for and may need to be something other than the daily kibble.

BUT…if we just eat treats, we could wind up with health problems. Same as your dog. So, we want to balance treats with daily nutrients.

Read “Do I Have to Use Treats” for some ideas on getting creative!

HOWEVER, if we feed our dog the regular few cups a day of kibble, and THEN add treats while we train throughout the day, we’ll end up with a porky pup who may have severe digestion and fat issues.

Ditch the Bowl!

The solution to overfeeding is use our dog’s “daily food allowance” and replace it with high value rewards. In short, we “Ditch the Bowl”. We ditch the daily kibble bowl feedings for our dog and replace it with the calories and nutrition in treats.

Our dogs wake up every morning knowing they are going to get value - their food bowl. If we simply give away that value and don’t ask them to work, play and have fun for it, we’ve literally given away all the value for training.

Instead of using a bowl, we ask our dogs to play games for food. This builds the relationship! Dogs WANT to work. They WANT to play. They NEED (and usually WANT) to eat. If we combine work, play and food you’re off to building a long-lasting relationship with your dog. The benefits are enormous!

A side note: Ditch the Bowl is GREAT for big dogs or the “over-zealous” eaters. When big dogs eat in tiny portions they are less likely to get twisted stomach or other fatal digestive issues. And quick, sloppy eaters are forced to slow down and think and work for their food.

How to Ditch the Bowl

Earning food from the hand is very rewarding and a fun way to get your dog to stick around you. You become better than the ball. Cooler than the cat. More mysterious than that mouse! Use the food to play and teach the concepts, games and skills that your are working on with your dog.

For example, if you’re on a walk and learning loose-leash walking, bring a handful of treats/food with you. As you walk, you can drop treats from your hand in front of your dog. At first, they may not know what is happening - it’s the easiest food they’ve ever gotten! We don’t stop there, but it’s a way to introduce treats and feeding your dog while working.

Try to get your dog to “chase” the food by flicking it away from you or tossing it in one direction.

Ask your dog to wait for the food by covering it up, and when they disengage, or sit, or look away, you say “good girl/boy” and tell them to “get it”.

Restrain your dog. Toss some food out to the floor. When they are interested in it, send them off to “get it”.

And, if you feed raw, don’t worry! You can use raw food to do the same thing! You can freeze dry food, or flick some raw chicken or mince the chunks, use fruits and veggies - get creative!

Remember, “Training” your dog is fundamentally about creating a great relationship with your dog. Use the daily food allowance as your start to building that relationship! Ditch the Bowl and have fun!

Visit the Casa Luna Canines semi-private, group dog training web page for more information about Doggie Decorum where you can learn (in person) how to Ditch the bowl.