Just doesn't want to

[LisaBreitenstein]

So, our dog Louie is very smart. He knows all of the basic commands, sit, lie down, give paw, stay and drop it ......he will do any one in a heartbeat when treats are involved. However, if no treats, a 50-50 shot on if he will choose to do it. What does anyone suggest?

 

Lisa

[Adrienne]

Hi Lisa,

Welcome to the forums!

This tends to happen when treats aren't faded properly. In other words, the dog has come to associate the presence of the treat with the execution of the behaviors. With no treat in sight, no behavior.  To tackle this issue we therefore need to gradually fade the use of treats.

If you notice, in the obedience 101 guide there's mention of fading the food lure in several commands. It's an important step to do as soon as possible. Also, following the obedience 101 guide you'll  find a special guide called "polishing up training" that goes more in depth on this: 

https://www.braintraining4dogs.com/members/brain-training/polishing-up-training/

And here is another guide, specifically crafted for those encountering this problem. 

https://www.braintraining4dogs.com/members/archive/dog-listens-treats/

You will also find a guide on how to move from a continuous schedule (give one treat for every correct behavior) to an intermittent one (given randomly) here:

https://www.braintraining4dogs.com/members/brain-training/polishing-up-training/fading-continuous-rewards/

https://www.braintraining4dogs.com/members/archive/use-treats-training-dog/

Of course, consider that we should never stop giving primary reinforcers such as treats completely otherwise we risk the behavior weakens and possibly extinguishes at some point. .

Let me know how things work out for you!

Best,

Adrienne