Dog Health Questions: Dog disciplining/training?

I have read some of the question that have been answered here. I do know that praising is good, and that hitting them is not good way to discipline them.
But, when you praise the dog, what is the praise? Is it giving a treat? I just read a book about dog training/discipline and just about all of the lessons require you the owner to give at least 5 treats per lesson.
Now, there are treats that are VERY tasty, but are backward to the dog's health so you don't give it them that often, but the more healthier ones are not as tasty so the dog may not think it's a praise. Also with the treat idea the dog could be thinking everything is for a treat, and when they don't get a treat, they think something is wrong which can lead to behavioral problems.
Then some people cannot afford all those treats like me.

How do you effectively train or discipline your dog without treats (and maybe without toys if the dog is very picky and you can't find one)?

Get the Most From Your Dog With These 5 Dog Training Tips

Recommended Answer:
Reward based training is very effective. The reward can be treats, praise or toys. You have to find what motivates the dog and go with that.

Some breeds (usually in the Herding and Working groups) and some individual dogs, work VERY well with simple rewards of praise and a small pat. Something that lets them know that the behavior they displayed was correct and pleased you.

Some breeds (usually Terriers, Working and Toy) and some individual dogs work wonderfully with toys given to show approval on the part of the owner.

Other breeds and individual dogs simply don't get the fact that they are behaving in a manner that you like, or they simply aren't motivated to behave in such a manner unless rewarded with food.

As far as treats go, I use hot dogs. The cheapest ones in the grocery store. With my large dogs, one single hot dog can cover a whole session of training. Simply slice the hot dog in half, length-wise and slice the two halves into multiple small pieces. You can usually get 20+ pieces, thus 20 small treats.

I have yet to encounter a dog who won't work for a hot dog! Hot dogs pack a lot of flavor into every small piece, flavor that dogs adore.

Also, if the dog is only treat motivated, you start out with the treats and gradually wean them back to simple praise for the reward. The first sessions of training start with a hot dog awarded every time the dog obeys. At about the 10th session, you start only giving the hot dog every other time, with pats and praise given as alternates. By the 20th session, you should be down to hot dog rewards once for every 5 verbal rewards.

Therapy Dog Training, Helping the Infirm

• The trainer we had used to train dogs for military use. He told use to put marbles in a pop can. The noise scares them, and lets them know they did something wrong. Now he said to throw the can and hit the dog with it. (only put about 8-10 marbles in the can). The first time used it on my dog, I hit the floor right next to him. His back was turned so he never saw it coming, he was too busy chewing the molding. Ever since then, I just have to put my hand on the can and he stops whatever bad thing he is doing.


• Treats are just that treats. I have two small dogs and they love treats. Before we began training our dogs to do anything we bonded and earned their trust. After they knew that their new home and family was filled with love and kindness, the rest was easy, just like children they are eager to learn, especially if they know that you appreciate their hard work. So the best praise is love, lots of hugs and good rub behind the ears. I always enjoy when they see my hand as a comfort and not a treat. In fact Shadow our 8 month old has jumped up beside me and I think he wants to learn to type. loo['k[p'p785' (we need to work on this)


• praising a dog isn't just about giving them a really yummy expensive treat. I'm one of those who can only afford the cheap treats, but they like them as well. Dogs love affection. so even if the reward is without a treat, they still recognize the attention. I don't always give treats. You can simply tell them "good dog" in an enthusiastic and loving voice, as well as pat them on the head, and scratch thier ears, and they understand that as praise as well. When you are happy and excited, they are as well. To them it doesn't matter what thier reward is, just that they made you happy.


• You can praise other ways other than treats. Try playing with the dog or just giving it your full attention. Sometimes for discipline, if my dog has a chew stick, I'll take it away and won't give it back.