The Zim Family Cocker Spaniel Forum

I have been doing some basic training with Daisy like sit, fetch, go potty, etc. etc. I have been rewarding her with treats every time she accomplishes the goal; but I have now noticed she pays little attention to her food. Now most of the time when I'm trying to feed her she'd rather sit and see if I have any present for her. Is this normal? I just want to make sure she doesn't wanna live off treats. Should I be a little more limited on the rewards.

Treats spoiling a dog's appetite is a common problem, especially with young pups or small-breed dogs. It is desirable to find other ways to reward, such as playing tug, having a special toy, etc.
How I got around the problem is that my "training treats" are part of the regular meal's kibble. I do have some special treats for special performance. But by-and-large, Rosey and Solo have learned to be obedience/rally/agility/tracking title winners by eating their regular kibble.

Colleen Keough

I agree with Colleen. With the little ones their kibble (with those lovely small kibble pieces) work well as treats. It's sort of like giving little children pieces of fruit or cereal as a snack.

I don't know how old your pup is, but Cricket is a new-to-me adult dog that I'm training. I'm using treats to train new behaviors and high praise for already learned behaviors, because she, too, was beginning to shun her food and look for the treats-- even before she'd done what I asked!

I'm using a very small Real Liver biscuit for training and she's very food motivated, but since I switched out of giving her treats for everything, she is actually much more focused and I'm getting much better compliance. And she seems overall happier. I think she really understands that I'm very pleased with her when she follows directions well.