High-value, single-protein, air-dried treats speed up learning because they’re easy to deliver, smell great to dogs, and keep sessions focused. This guide shows you how to use a marker (e.g., “Yes!” or a click), set the right rate of reinforcement, and proof behaviours using the 3Ds—plus when to scale up to bundles and simple extras.
Why “high-value” works (and how to use it)
- Nose first. Dogs decide with scent; air-dried meats release strong aromas that help the dog start and keep working.
- Marker → reward. Pair a consistent marker (“Yes!” or a click) with a treat so your dog knows the exact moment they were right; this boosts clarity and reduces confusion. Start by: marker, then treat several times before training behaviours.
Core training loop (keep this simple)
Cue → Behaviour → Mark → Reinforce → Reset.
Short, upbeat reps build momentum. Keep hands still until the moment you mark—then deliver the treat cleanly to avoid accidental luring. (If you use a clicker, the click always predicts a treat.)
Rate of reinforcement: how many treats per minute?
When teaching something new, aim high: roughly 8–15 treats per minute for the first short sessions. As the behaviour becomes fluent, drop to fewer rewards or switch to life rewards (play, sniff breaks). High early rates keep the dog engaged and prevent frustration.
Session recipe (starter):
- 60–90 pea-sized pieces (break Rabbit/Venison/Wild Boar small).
- 1–3 minutes, then a short break.
- 2–3 mini-sessions total.
Shaping & criteria: change one thing at a time
Build behaviours in tiny steps. Raise criteria gradually, don’t change two things at once, and when you add a new challenge, relax the old ones briefly. Once a step is solid, move towards variable reinforcement (not every rep) to build durability.
Quick shaping rules (pocket list):
- Increase difficulty in small increments.
- One criterion at a time (e.g., either longer sit or more distance).
- If you raise one criterion, loosen the others.
- When a step is easy, start to vary the rewards.
Proofing with the 3Ds: Distance, Duration, Distractions
Dogs don’t automatically generalise. Add one D at a time: first hold the sit longer (duration), then take a step away (distance), then introduce a mild distraction—not all three at once. Progress slowly to keep success high.
3Ds ladder (example for “Sit”):
- Duration: 1s → 3s → 5s.
- Distance: Handler 0.5m → 1m → 2m.
- Distractions: quiet room → garden → front path.
Premack in plain English (use real-life rewards)
Let a more desirable behaviour reinforce a less desirable one: “Sit politely → go greet,” “Loose lead → sniff the verge,” “Come when called → play tug.” Use life rewards to fade food once behaviours are solid.
Treat value ladder (and when to rotate proteins)
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Everyday reps: break Rabbit small.
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Tough distractions: switch to Venison pieces.
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Jackpot moments: use Wild Boar (one larger piece) when your dog smashes a new step.
Rotate after your dog’s base routine is settled; variety is enrichment once digestion and mealtime rhythm are consistent.
Step-by-step: a 10-minute recall plan (with treats)
- Load your marker (5–10 reps: mark → treat).
- Name game, indoors: say dog’s name once → dog looks → mark → toss a treat.
- Short “Come” reps: 1–2m distance; 8–12 treats/min for 60–90 seconds.
- Add one D: increase distance slightly or mild distraction (garden).
- Premack: great recall → 5–10 seconds of sniffing or tug.
- Finish early: stop while keen; short break; repeat once.
- Generalise: different rooms, then safe outdoor spots—only one new challenge per session.
Using Wolfworthy bundles & extras without overcomplicating things
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Treat Selection (Rabbit, Venison, Wild Boar): perfect to stock the ladder above.
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Complete Collection: treats + Digestive Support Soft Chews, Hip & Joint Soft Chews, and EcoShell Poo Bags—handy for routine building and travel.
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Subscriber tip: add items to your next delivery for simple, predictable restocks (subs save 10% on items in the subscription).
(Stick to training use: avoid turning treats into meal toppers so appetite and stools stay steady.)
Quick checklists
Training session checklist
- ✅ Marker loaded (click or “Yes!”)
- ✅ 60–90 pea-sized pieces ready
- ✅ 1–3 minute sets; 2–3 sets total
- ✅ One criterion at a time; raise slowly
- ✅ End on a win; short break
Progress checklist
- ✅ Early sessions: 8–15 rewards/min
- ✅ Add one D at a time (3Ds)
- ✅ Start varying rewards once fluent
- ✅ Use Premack “life rewards” to fade food
FAQ
Q1: What’s the best length for a beginner session?
A: 1–3 minutes with a short break; keep rewards frequent (aim ~8–15/min when teaching something new).
Q2: Do I need a clicker, or can I say “Yes!”?
A: Either works. The key is consistency: the marker predicts a treat every time at first so the dog learns what it means.
Q3: How do I make behaviours reliable outdoors?
A: Proof them with the 3Ds—increase duration, distance, or distractions one at a time before combining.
Q4: When do I move away from food rewards?
A: Once fluent, switch some reps to Premack life rewards (sniffing, greeting, tug). This maintains motivation without overfeeding.
Rabbit Treats, Wild Boar Treats, Venison Treats, EcoShell Poo Bags