Only reacting to rewards

Seeking help
1

In addition to our regular at-home training sessions, my dog has successfully finished 12 weeks of professional training. However, he only reacts to commands when he sees a treat; otherwise, he typically ignores them. He will also bark at us if we ask him to do anything and we don’t have any treats.

Furthermore, the trainers find it difficult to believe us when we tell he struggles to adjust at home because he excels in class.

Any suggestions on how to assist him learn how to do things without always giving him a treat? What about suggestions for carrying out further training outside of the classroom, at home?

I’m grateful.

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2

Try phasing out treats by giving them less often and mixing in praise or playtime as rewards. Keep training sessions short and fun, and be consistent with commands. Over time, your dog should start responding without always needing a treat.

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