Puppy kindergarten

I'm going to be starting training with my pup in June. I have homework to do before the first class. One "assignment" is to have a list of treats/rewards for my pup in a hierarchy 1-5 so that I can give more preferred rewards for more challenging target behaviors. Does anyone have any suggestions for treats for training? I need five different things. A toy could be one but food is definitely more reinforcing. Thanks!
Erin

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Permalink Reply by Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle on May 30, 2016 at 11:18am

Here's a link to the Food Group's list of recommended treat brands. I suggest Cloudstar's Tricky Trainers and Pure Bites liver treats. But there are lots of good choices.

http://www.doodlekisses.com/group/thefoodgroup/forum/topics/recomme...

Permalink Reply by Janet & Jaxson on May 30, 2016 at 11:50am

And tiny pieces of boiled chicken breast is very high value! They also like tiny pieces of string cheese.

Permalink Reply by Jenn and Bogey on May 30, 2016 at 12:30pm

I really like Fruitables. I can break one into 3-4 pieces.

Permalink Reply by Marybeth & Yankee on May 30, 2016 at 3:36pm

The most rewarding thing you gave give your new pup in training is love and praise! That works better than anything. I had worked with my puppy and taught him the basic commands and we went straight into a basic obedience class where it was reward drive by praising. I only saw one parent rewarding with treats. I do give treats daily, but not for training habits.
That's just been my experience .

Permalink Reply by Erin on May 30, 2016 at 4:56pm

I would think treats would then have to be phased out at some point. I like the idea of rewarding with praise.

Permalink Reply by Marybeth & Yankee on May 30, 2016 at 5:01pm

I know my pup loves praise. I noticed all the dogs in our class responded so well to that. There was a lot of tail wagging and love being shared.

Permalink Reply by Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie on May 30, 2016 at 7:35pm

We used praise rather than treats.

Permalink Reply by Kamela & Beckett on May 30, 2016 at 3:52pm

We used string cheese as our high value training treat. After Beckett developed several ear infections, our vet discussed food allergies with us. He told us to cut out dairy as it was a common allergen. Beck's not had an ear infection since we stopped using string cheese (and yogurt in his Kong). Just something to consider...

Permalink Reply by Debi Carreon on May 30, 2016 at 6:09pm

My trainer gives ZiwiPeak. It's actually dog food all natural and comes in small square pieces that all his puppy students love! I bought a small 16oz bag.

Permalink Reply by Jane, Guinness and Murphy on May 31, 2016 at 4:42am

I really like Vital Essentials Freeze Dried Raw treats. I use the rabbit because it's a protein that my Murphy who has IBD can eat. They are very high value based on how my boys react to them, and I like them because they are small. I keep them in my pocket and use them throughout the day as a reward for "great behavior" (not barking at the IPS guy, long down/stays, not reacting to distractions). I also use praise and affection and a short game of indoor "fetch" as rewards, but at least for my two guys the treats make more of an impact.

Permalink Reply by Maryann,Roo and Tigger on May 31, 2016 at 7:15pm