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Why does my dog listen better without treats during training?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Australian Shepherd | Male | unneutered | 4 months and 11 days old | 25 lbs

Hi, I was wondering why it was that my dog won't ever listen to me when Im training him with snacks but he'll have an easier time when I don't have them around

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Bette Isacoff

Dog Trainer

Published on July 28th, 2018

The snacks can interfere with training because Pocky is more interested in the treats than in you. It is certainly not necessary to use treats to train, and I don't use them in beginner obedience for this reason. Second, treats can undermine the trainer's confidence if he relies on them--he comes to think he "needs" them to make his dog respond. . And last, rewards need to be given aat precisely the right time, and most amateur trainers are not good at rewarding with goodies initially. Aussies are very receptive to training, so feel free to forget about the treats and just let the trainng be between you and your dog. Good luck!

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