Treats!

First, why do we use them?

We use treats to positively reinforce behaviors we like. One example: you want your cat to learn sit. Whenever you get your cat to sit, you then give your cat a treat. This will let them know that when they do something you like (sit in this example), they get something they like (a treat) in return.

When should I not use treats?

Sometimes we just love our pets so much that we will think of behaviors as "good enough"

For example: you're teaching your dog to sit and they do a sit sometimes, but other times they either sit and pop back up, sit and lay down, half sit, or start pawing at you. Most of these are very cute and silly however, if you continue to reward the "half sits" sometimes, they will continue to do those "half sits" and full sits inconsistently.

Make sure that when you teach your pet to do a command, it is the same thing every time they do it. When you teach your dog to do a sit, make sure their bottom hits the ground every time and, if they go into a down instead, pull them out of it and try again! This will ensure that they will keep doing the same thing every time and create less confusion for both owner and pet.

What if my pet doesn't like treats?

Pets have their own opinions when it comes to things they like and dislike. There are plenty of animals that don't really care for treats! The key is to find what they do like. The three most common rewards are:

1. Treats. Whether that's meat, veggies, or fruits!

2. Toys. Most animals love to play with toys and if you struggle with playing with your pet or they seem uninterested, I will have a separate post on "How to bond with your pet through play"

3. Affection. Through petting or even just some words of affection, your pet might just be a lower energy animal who loves you! If they aren't responding to treats or playing, they might just want your attention and affection. Even when you use treats or playing, it's still important to give your pet lots of affection after they've done something you like.

What kind of treats should I give to my pet?

Most pets prefer meat so, some low calorie treats with less ingredients are the ideal first choice! Some of my favorite options: Wiggles and Waggs (PetSmart) or Purebites freeze dried treats! For cats, they usually like the freeze dried salmon or chicken. For dogs, I usually recommend freeze dried salmon or beef since most dogs are allergic to chicken.

If your pet doesn't care for meat or can't have it, try some of these:

• Carrots (cooked, raw, or frozen)

• Potatoes (cooked)

• Lettuce

• Celery (raw or frozen)

• Blueberries (fresh, not too many)

• Strawberries (fresh or frozen, not too many)

• Raspberries or Blackberries (fresh, not too many)

• Some veterinarian diets also have treats you can get a prescription for

Final notes!

Whether you're a first time pet owner or you're just looking for a way to bond with your pet further, I will always recommend starting with figuring out what your pet really likes! Not all animals are the same. Some like treats, some like toys, and some prefer affection. After you've found what they like, then you can start to learn how to teach them to do tricks or brain games.

If you've enjoyed reading this and you plan on trying to find out what your furry friend likes, let me know! If you already found what they like, feel free to share it with me and others.

Quick Updates:

• I will be adding video lessons to the site very soon! These lessons will only be for the basic courses and won't be for those that need behavior work. You will still be able to ask me for advice or if you have any questions when you're going through the lessons.

• I will be posting another blog on "bonding with your pet through play" as well as one on the subject of "introducing another cat in the home."

• I will add posts later that are exclusively for those that have already purchased a package such as "learning your yes's and no's" and "leash walking: the different tools and how to use them wisely"

• If anyone has any requests for what I should post in the future, feel free to reach out directly or leave a comment!