To Treat or Not To Treat When Training: The Reality

When it comes to training dogs, especially intelligent and eager‑to‑please breeds like Australian Shepherds, one of the most debated topics is this:

Should you use treats or not?

The answer, like most things in training, is nuanced. Let’s unpack the reality behind treat‑based training and why relationship‑based methods can lead to deeper, lasting obedience.

The Truth About Treat‑Based Training

Using food as a reward is widely popular, and it’s easy to see why. It works. Dogs are naturally food motivated, and treats are often the quickest way to encourage simple commands like sit, come, or down.

Especially in the early stages or with fearful, hesitant dogs, treats can help bridge the gap between confusion and cooperation. Whether it’s coaxing a puppy up the stairs or helping a rescue enter a crate for the first time, a treat can make the moment easier.

But here’s the truth:

What starts as motivation often becomes dependency.

Suddenly, your dog isn’t responding because they trust or understand you. They’re watching your hand. And if the treat isn’t there? You might not get the behavior you asked for.

Training Without Treats: Building Trust and Willingness

True training is about relationship, not reward.

Dogs are deeply intuitive creatures. They read our body language, tone of voice, and even our energy. When training is built around clear expectations, calm consistency, and genuine praise, dogs learn to respond because they want to please you, not because they’re hoping for a snack.

Start with:

• Simple commands

• Consistent language

• Encouraging tone and energy

• Lavish praise early on

• Gentle touch or eye contact as reinforcement

Over time, that “Good girl” and a smile will mean more than any liver treat.

When Are Treats Appropriate?

Treats still have their place, especially in:

• Rescue situations

• High fear responses like entering a crate, navigating stairs, or adjusting to a leash

• Counter conditioning unwanted behaviors

In these moments, treats can act as emotional leverage. But these are exceptions, not the foundation of everyday training.

Your long-term goal should always be to move away from food rewards and teach your dog to respond to your voice, presence, and expectation.

The Danger of “Reward Only” Thinking

Dogs trained only with treats can become transactional thinkers. They begin to evaluate commands with an internal question: “What’s in it for me?”

This is not the mindset you want in:

• Working or service dogs

• Therapy companions

• Or even well‑mannered family pets

It’s like raising a child who only helps if there’s a payment involved. You want a dog who understands structure, respects your role as the leader, and genuinely enjoys doing what’s right.

Training for Safety, Not Snacks

There’s also a serious side to this discussion: safety.

If your dog is trained to respond only when a treat is present, what happens in an emergency? If they slip a leash near a road or approach something dangerous, your voice alone must be enough to stop them.

No one carries a bag of treats in their pocket all day. But your voice, leadership, and trust are always with you.

Training based on relationship and respect could one day save your dog’s life.

What You’re Really Teaching

Every interaction teaches something.

You’re either building:

• A dog that obeys when convenient (treat driven), or

• A dog that obeys because they trust you, respect your leadership, and desire harmony (relationship driven)

The work you put in now shapes your dog’s responses for a lifetime.

Final Thoughts: Respect, Relationship, Reward

At Maranatha Aussies, we believe in training that strengthens the bond between dog and owner. The best dogs aren’t the ones who perform tricks for cookies. They’re the ones who look into your eyes and say, I trust you. What do you need me to do?

Let the reward be your smile.

Let the motivation be your connection.

Let the training reflect the love behind the leash.