(Quick Answer) If I Use Dog Treats With My Dog, Will I Always Need Them?

Not at all! Treats are a very effective and an amazing way of letting your dog know that he or she has done something you are happy with.

When they're young puppies, following their mom around and paying attention to her leads to play time, comfort, safety and milk! All wonderful treats that motivate puppies to repeat and continue doing what they've been doing.

Treats can be used to lure or help a dog achieve a specific task but they will be even more useful to you if provided them mainly when or immediately after your dog has made a choice (especially a difficult one), before the treat is provided. Think of it as that bonus pay that comes mainly in exchange for working longer hours. In addition to that, you may also share them with your dog here and there. But don't stop using their regular food to reinforce good decisions, and as part of their daily enrichment activities. This'll help maintain the association in their mind that their regular food can also be high value.