Using rewards and treats effectively is one of the most powerful tools in dog training. For a breed like the Havanese—known for their intelligence and desire to please—rewards can motivate learning, reinforce good behavior, and strengthen the bond between dog and owner. However, not all rewards are created equal. Understanding the difference between regular and high-value treats, when to use them, and when to avoid treats altogether ensures that your training is both effective and sustainable.

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Types of Rewards in Dog Training

Rewards aren’t limited to food; they can include anything your dog finds motivating. The key is understanding what works best for your individual Havanese.

1. Regular Treats
   • Examples: Kibble, small soft treats, or dry biscuits.
   • Characteristics: Low to moderate value, commonly used for reinforcing well-established behaviors or simple tasks.
2. High-Value Treats
   • Examples: Cooked chicken, cheese, hot dogs, freeze-dried liver, or store-bought high-value training treats.
   • Characteristics: Highly motivating, reserved for challenging tasks, new commands, or situations with distractions.
3. Non-Food Rewards
   • Examples: Praise, petting, playtime, or access to something they want (e.g., going outside).
   • Characteristics: Ideal for dogs that are not food-motivated or for maintaining variety in training.

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When to Use Regular Treats

Regular treats work well for reinforcing everyday behavior and maintaining already-learned commands.

1. Basic Commands
   Use regular treats to reward commands your Havanese already knows, like “sit” or “stay.” These situations don’t require intense motivation.
2. Routine Practice
   When practicing commands in a low-distraction environment, regular treats can help maintain behavior without over-rewarding.
3. Portion Control
   Regular treats are lower in calories, making them a better choice for frequent reinforcement, especially during long training sessions.

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When to Use High-Value Treats

High-value treats are reserved for situations that require extra motivation or focus.

1. Teaching New Commands
   When introducing a new behavior, high-value treats create a strong association and keep your Havanese engaged.
2. High-Distraction Environments
   In busy areas like parks or around other dogs, high-value treats help your Havanese stay focused on you despite distractions.
3. Overcoming Challenges
   Use high-value rewards for tasks that your Havanese finds particularly difficult, such as recall, walking politely on a leash, or facing fears (e.g., grooming or vet visits).
4. Shaping Complex Behaviors
   For behaviors that require multiple steps, like agility training or nose work, high-value treats ensure enthusiasm and persistence.

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When Not to Use Treats

1. When the Behavior is Well-Established
   Once your Havanese reliably performs a command, begin phasing out treats to prevent dependency. Replace food rewards with praise, play, or intermittent reinforcement.
2. For Bribery
   Offering treats to coax your dog into compliance can backfire, as they’ll learn to expect a reward for every action rather than for correct behavior.
3. If Overused
   Excessive treat use can lead to weight gain, loss of interest, or reduced motivation if your Havanese becomes full or bored with the reward.
4. For Fearful Behaviors
   Treats alone won’t resolve fear-based behaviors. Pairing treats with desensitization and counter-conditioning is necessary to address the root cause.

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Tips for Using Rewards Effectively

1. Timing is Key
   Reward your Havanese immediately after the desired behavior to create a clear association. Timing is critical for effective learning.
2. Keep Treats Small
   Use pea-sized pieces, especially for high-value treats, to avoid overfeeding while maintaining your Havanese’s interest.
3. Use a Marker Word or Clicker
   Pair treats with a consistent marker, like “yes!” or a clicker sound, to signal correct behavior and improve communication.
4. Vary the Rewards
   Mix up treat types and include non-food rewards to keep training sessions exciting and prevent your Havanese from becoming too reliant on food.
5. Gradual Phasing
   Once your Havanese consistently performs a behavior, shift to intermittent reinforcement by rewarding only occasionally.
6. Reward Desired Behaviors Throughout the Day
   Incorporate rewards outside of formal training sessions. For instance, reward your Havanese for sitting calmly while you prepare their meal.

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Troubleshooting Reward-Based Training

1. My Havanese Only Works for Treats
   Phase out treats gradually by replacing them with verbal praise, petting, or playtime. Use treats intermittently to maintain motivation.
2. My Havanese Gets Distracted by the Environment
   Use high-value treats in distracting environments and slowly work on increasing focus through short, consistent training sessions.
3. My Dog Isn’t Food-Motivated
   Experiment with other rewards, such as toys, praise, or access to a favorite activity. Some Havanese prefer interactive play over treats.
4. My Havanese is Gaining Weight
   Reduce the size of treats, use low-calorie options, and factor treats into their daily caloric intake. Alternatively, use part of their regular kibble as rewards.

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Q&A: Rewards and Treats in Training

Q: How do I know if a treat is high-value to my dog?
A: A high-value treat is one your Havanese gets excited about and focuses on more than usual. Try different options to see what they respond to best.

Q: Can I use their regular kibble as treats?
A: Yes, kibble can be used for simple tasks or low-distraction environments. Reserve higher-value treats for more challenging scenarios.

Q: Should I always use treats for training?
A: Treats are most effective for teaching new behaviors or reinforcing difficult tasks. Over time, replace treats with other rewards like praise or play.

Q: How many treats can I give my Havanese in one session?
A: Treat quantity depends on size and calorie content. Use small pieces and limit sessions to avoid overfeeding. Balance with their daily food intake.

Q: Can treats solve all behavior issues?
A: No, treats are a tool, not a solution. For complex issues like anxiety or aggression, combine treats with behavior modification techniques.

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Summary

Rewards and treats are invaluable tools for training your Havanese, but knowing when and how to use them is key to success. Regular treats are great for reinforcing simple behaviors, while high-value treats help overcome distractions and teach new skills. By pairing food rewards with praise, play, and intermittent reinforcement, you can maintain your Havanese’s motivation without over-reliance on treats. Thoughtful use of rewards will help your Havanese thrive in training and deepen your bond.

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Sources

1. American Kennel Club (AKC)
   https://www.akc.org
2. PetMD
   https://www.petmd.com
3. Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT)
   https://www.apdt.com
4. Havanese Club of America
   https://www.havanese.org
5. Whole Dog Journal
   https://www.whole-dog-journal.com

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