Bobtail launches 'treat' for our best friend

(Image: Anders Lagerås, via Wikimedia Commons)

The peanut-flavoured, iced dog biscuits can be bought at any major retail outlet nationally, including stores such as PnP, Spar, Checkers and Makro. Available to all canine owners the treats are on sale for between R19.99 and R22.99.

"Offering doggy treats to your pet can be a positive reinforcement that strengthens the bond between owner and pet. Respect breeds obedience and it's a great way to show your affection," comments Steven Bedford, marketing manager for the Petcare division at Foodcorp.

When choosing the correct dog treats for your pet, it's important to keep a couple of points in mind. If you're planning to treat your dog regularly, buy dog treats that are bite-sized and low in carbohydrates to ensure that your pet stays slim and in line with the optimal body shape for their breed. Soft treats are perfect for the more senior dog with sensitive teeth.

"Spoiling your smaller friends should come naturally, but there is a correct, perhaps more appropriate way to doing it," says Bedford.

Here are some easy steps on how to use dog treats as a positive reinforcement while training your dog:

1. Offer a treat as soon as your dog behaves.

Respond instantly to your dog's good behaviour by offering a treat immediately after you've received the desired response. Using a dog clicker would also assist your dog to associate the good behaviour with the reinforcement.

2. Offer dog treats that your dog will savour.

Tempting and tasteful treats will keep your dog's attention focused on you alone and attentively anticipating your next command. Ensure that the treats are bite-sized according to the size of your dog. This will ensure that the treats do not crumble to the floor and divert your dog's attention away from you.

(Image: 4028mdk09, via Wikimedia Commons)

3. Dogs will understand good behaviour.

Use the command "Sit!" if you would like your dog to stop jumping on you and your guests. When you get the desired result immediately reward your dog with a treat. This will educate your dog that you prefer sitting to jumping.

4. Work up to the desired behaviour.

I would recommend that you try a technique called shaping. The process of shaping refers to rewarding your dog as she/he comes close to achieving a desired behaviour, such as shaking your hand. If your dog lifts his paw from the ground, but doesn't meet your hand, still reward him with a treat. This will urge and shape your dog to reach your hand the next time.

5. Reward your dog when it's unexpected

Randomly praise your dog when obedient and on displaying good behaviour both in the home and outdoors. If your dog consistently barks and whines, reinforce the quiet moments with a treat or two. Your dog will eventually understand that the barking and whining is an unpleasant behaviour (unrecognised) and that the opposite makes you happy (recognised with treats).

6. Making dog treats special.

Once you've established that you'll reward your dog for good behaviour, gradually wean your dog off the amount of treats that you offer as rewards. Your canine friend will understand that they will receive an occasional treat and affection for good behaviour and that you won't need to supply a constant stream of rewards.

By following the above steps, your dog will realise that good behaviour always attracts rewards. "Many may not agree, but your canine friend, whether small or big, possesses a conscience, and through correct training can become not only your companion but your best friend," says Bedford.