[Salamander]

Food works for mine and it’s been a lot easier than the days when food rewards were verboten.

Probably half a dozen Dobes in the 80s were trained with nothing but a hearty GOOD DOG! and a pat on the head.

Of course, there’s the ‘method’ that says start with food until they learn and but then never give food rewards again.

You can’t win.

I have a library of conflicting opinions.

Constantly trying to do the newest, bestest thing can leave you standing there paralyzed with fear that you’re somehow shortchanging your dog.

Thank God they’re always so smart and forgiving of my own ineptitude.

[MarMema]

Of course, there’s the ‘method’ that says start with food until they learn and but then never give food rewards again. You can’t win.

What works the best is intermittent treats of varying sizes and yumminess.

I think they call it Intermittent Variable Reinforcement to be technically correct. It is why people go to casinos and gamble.

[MarMema]