Training or Bribing? Vet Tips for FoodFree Obedience 🐾

By Dr. Duncan Houston BVSc

Treat in hand, dog sits. No treat? Suddenly they “forget” everything. If this sounds familiar, you may be stuck in a reward trap. But don’t worry—it’s fixable.

I’m Dr. Duncan Houston,  In this article, I’ll explain how to transition from food lures to realworld reliability—so your dog listens because they understand, not just because they see a snack.

🍖 Bribing vs. Training: What’s the Difference?

Bribing Training Shows the treat **before** the behavior Rewards the behavior **after** it happens Dog performs only when reward is visible Dog performs even without knowing what’s coming Weakens behavior over time Builds strong habits and trust

🚩 Signs You’re Bribing (Not Training)

• 🍗 You always have to show the treat first
• 🙃 Dog won’t respond unless they see food
• 🔁 Dog performs behavior only once—then walks away
• 📉 Cue loses meaning unless paired with hand gesture or food lure

✅ VetApproved Steps to Fix Food Dependency

Step 1: Remove the Lure

• 🧠 Teach the behavior with the treat in your pocket, not in your hand
• ✅ Only reward *after* the correct behavior happens

Step 2: Use a Marker (Click or “Yes”)

• 🔊 Mark the moment they do the right thing
• 🎁 THEN reach for the reward from a treat pouch or pocket

Step 3: Randomize the Reward Schedule

• ⏱️ Move from every success → every second → every few
• 💡 Keep it unpredictable so your dog works “just in case”

Step 4: Mix in Life Rewards

• 🚶 Going for a walk, playing with a toy, opening a door = reward
• 📦 Ask for a behavior before delivering these rewards (e.g., “sit” before going outside)

Step 5: Fade the Food, Keep the Praise

• 👏 Gradually rely more on voice, touch, play, and freedom
• ✅ Make YOU the reward—not just the snack

🔁 When to Keep Using Treats

Not all food rewards should disappear—especially for:

• 🐕 Puppies or rescues building confidence
• ⚡ Highdistraction situations (e.g., at the park, around dogs)
• 🎓 Teaching complex or new behaviors

Food is a powerful tool—but it’s just that: a tool, not the goal.

📋 Sample Reward Schedule for Fading Treats

 Week Plan Week 1 Reward every success (no luring) Week 2 Reward every 2–3 successful cues Week 3 Reward unpredictably (every 2–5) Week 4 Replace some rewards with praise/play/life rewards

💬 What Dog Parents Say

“He used to only sit if I had a treat in my hand. Now I say ‘sit’ and he listens—even if I’m holding nothing!” – Brooke & Atlas

👩⚕️ Want Help Breaking Food Dependency?

Send your dog’s behavior goals and current training style to Ask A Vet for a personalized fadethetreat training plan built by veterinarians.

Final Thoughts

Your dog should work for you—not for your pocket. When you use food as a reward, not a bribe, you build real trust, lasting obedience, and a relationship that runs deeper than snacks.