Should I use treats to housetrain puppy?
Is it a good idea to give my puppy tiny treats when she goes outside in addition to the praise I already give her? If I use treats while I” training her do I have to continue throughout her life? I also am concerned about her weight. She’s at a healthy weight now but I don’t want her to become overweight.
If you don’t want to give her treats and she is doing well without them I see no reason you have to give her treats. We used treats to train our 2 Chi/Poodle mixes and occasionally give them treats now (they are 2.5 years and fully potty trained). You can use them to train and then gradually taper off after she is trained as well.
Another idea to use with training if you are worried about giving treats is to use her food as a reward. Take a piece or two outside with you to give her when she goes. This works well with some dogs and not so well with others.
Hope this helps!
Alan Mendelson & Crazy Dog Training Rewards