Celebrity dog trainer Tamar Geller explains how treats are the easiest and fastest way to teach your dog. "The Loved Dog" author demonstrates how to give your dog treats in the most effective way.
According to Geller, a punished dog shows increased amounts of cortisol in their systems which leads to memory deficits and weakening of the dog's immune system.
Geller's viewpoint is that dogs should not be punished. Instead she believes that dog owners should use reward as a motivator.
"When you use treats that's the easiest way for the dog to connect with you," Geller told CTV's Canada AM.
Treats should be used as the reward and are a shortcut to reaching a dog's brain. Dog treats are especially useful because they are quantifiable, unlike other forms of reward.
Through using treats, Geller believes you will be able to teach your dog easier and faster. One particular technique she recommends is the Las Vegas method when dogs receive rewards on a random basis.
Initially this involves giving the dog something for everything that it is doing. But then Geller says this practice should be stopped when the dog becomes accustomed to it. Instead the dog should receive a lot of treats on random occasions only -- as if it had just won the jackpot.
"He knows when it's going to happen it's worth waiting for," Geller said. "Just like people in Vegas."
Demonstrate and make a point
- Treats as leverage: Treats are both payment and motivation for your dog to learn new behaviours
- Never give treats away for free -- they must be earned
- Gold, silver, bronze: Break down treats into three levels and categories
- You need to keep treats as special or as surprises
- Immediate feedback: Give a treat within three seconds of the behaviour
- Keep treats in storage hand and storage containers around the house
- Use 'The Las Vegas method': Give out random rewards to keep your dog focused and interested
For more information on Tamar Geller visit
