Doggone Etiquette —

Treats

By Bardi McLennan

 A Word to the Dog:

This is one of those weekends when every one of you dogs must remember to mind your manners. As well as minding your VIPeople, of course. When there’s a bit of noise or confusion you aren’t familiar with, just sit back and play it cool. Nothing to get upset about since most of it involves the kids. If your VIPeople do get you involved in some weird way, do as you’re told. Not to worry – there could be a reward for your excellent behavior. We’ll check it all out for you.

A Word to the Dog’s Owner:

We’ve been through the costume bit and you have no doubt made up your mind as to where Rufus stands in the matter, so a doggie costume or not is a done deal. Have fun with the Halloween garb if that’s your (joint) decision. And have just as much fun if Rufus says “no way” to looking like anything other than the 100 percent dog he is!

There is something else that ties in with this holiday, and that’s the business of doling out treats. The kids say, “trick or treat” and we are more apt to hand over treats than risk tricks. Dogs also get treats without having to do tricks. They only have to do – correctly – whatever you are teaching them in the way of proper behavior. Such obedience is for the dog’s own safety, and in order for him to be considered a “good” dog. So when Rufus obeys on command, he may get a treat.

Or he may not! Too often treats become less of a reward and more of a downfall. It’s the same with dogs as it is with kids. A treat given over and over again for no particular reason generally creates one reaction from the recipient – begging for more! We are all apt to fall for it at one time or another, but it is up to the person teaching Rufus to know when it’s more productive to hold back on those treats. At the very beginning of training, one prompt response to come, stay, sit or other command earns one small treat with brief verbal praise.

That’s for starters. One good response equals one treat for the first two or three times. The important thing is what you do next which should be to increase the ratio so that Rufus has to do two or three good sits, or whatever, before getting a treat. Vary it so that he can’t be certain when he’ll get that yummy reward in addition to your bit of praise, or only the latter. But you know how dogs operate. They keep trying and hoping, which really works to your benefit because it also keeps them alert and focused on you!

What you decide to use for treats can also be a variable. There are as many treats for dogs on the market as there are candies for kids. Training treats are tiny – a nibble and swallow. Anything more than that is a between-meal snack! The important thing is to choose something that Rufus goes crazy for, and then stay with it at least for a while. If you hand out that same treat too often, it will lose its value to the dog as a treat. Only boast that Rufus is “well trained” when all his responses to your requests are carried out without any treats at all, and your smile of approval is enough.

Okay! I know what you’re chuckling about. Not every dog attains that acme of perfection, but we can aim high and still love ‘em. And forgive most of their small failures in etiquette or obedience. Just don’t overdo those treats!

Until next time – BE GOOD!

- Bardi

Bardi McLennan bred, trained, and showed Welsh terriers for 30 years, during which time she wrote a monthly column on canine behavior in Dog Fancy Magazine. In addition to contributing to numerous dog publications, she has written 15 books on dogs; Rescue Me! received the ASPCA Humane Issues Award in 2008.