Training Your Pets to Do Tricks – How to Avoid Overusing Treats and Prevent Weight Gain
Does your neighbour’s cat high-five on command, for example, while your own pet struggles with a simple “sit”? That’s usually the point where most pet owners reach for the treat jar. After all, surely the easiest way for your pet to obey your commands is to provide a little incentive… right?
But here’s the thing: many pet owners find themselves caught in a cycle where their pets won’t perform without expecting a snack. Before you know it, your once-slim Shih Tzu starts resembling a furry football, and your vet starts mentioning words like “diabetes” and “joint problems”.
The good news? You can absolutely train your pet to perform amazing tricks without turning them into treat-dependent couch potatoes.
Understanding Your Pet’s Natural Motivators
Before diving into alternative training methods, you need to understand what drives your pet. Not all animals respond to the same incentives, and recognising your pet’s unique preferences makes training infinitely easier.
Dogs typically fall into several motivation categories. Some breeds, particularly retrievers and spaniels, will do anything for a tennis ball or frisbee. Terriers often prefer tug games. Working breeds like German Shepherds and Border Collies frequently value praise and approval above food. Then you have the social butterflies, usually smaller companion breeds, who consider cuddles and attention the ultimate reward.
Cats present different challenges and opportunities. Contrary to popular belief, cats can be highly trainable when you tap into their natural instincts. Many cats go crazy for feather wands or laser pointers (though always end laser play with a physical toy they can catch). Some respond brilliantly to catnip or silver vine. Others simply want your undivided attention and a good chin scratch.
Watch your pet during their happiest moments. What makes their tail wag frantically or causes that distinctive purr? That’s your golden ticket to treat-free training.
Building a Reward Hierarchy System
Professional trainers use something called a reward hierarchy, and you can implement this at home too. Picture a ladder where treats sit at the top, but multiple rungs exist below. This system teaches pets that different behaviours earn different rewards, keeping them engaged without constant food reinforcement.
Start by listing every reward your pet enjoys. For example, for dogs, this might include:
Verbal praise comes first, the foundation of all training. Use different tones and words. A excited “good boy!” differs from a calm “well done”, and pets learn these distinctions quickly. Physical affection follows, anything from a quick pat to a full belly rub session. Play rewards work brilliantly for active pets. A quick game of tug after a successful “down” command reinforces behaviour while burning calories.
Alternative Training Games That Work
And what about trying out some creative games that minimise treat use while maximising engagement? Here are some that tap into natural behaviours and instincts.
Hide and seek builds recall without treats. Start simple. Have someone hold your dog while you hide behind a door. Call once, and let your dog find you. The reward? Your excitement when they succeed. Gradually increase difficulty, hiding in different rooms or even the garden. Cats enjoy this too, especially if you make interesting sounds from your hiding spot.
The “find it” game uses your pet’s regular kibble rather than extra treats. Scatter their dinner around the room (start with easy spots). They eat their normal amount while practising scent work and problem-solving. Mental stimulation tires pets out faster than physical exercise, reducing hyperactivity without adding calories.
Shadow training requires no rewards at all. Simply move around your home, rewarding your pet with attention when they follow. Stop randomly, and wait for them to sit or lie down naturally. When they do, continue moving. This teaches patience and focus using movement as the reward.
For cats, try “follow the finger”. Move your finger slowly across surfaces, rewarding your cat with praise when they touch it with their nose. This builds into more complex tricks without any food involved. Many cats find the interaction itself rewarding.
The Bigger Picture in Pet Training
By thinking about alternative motivators, your pet’s health improves in ways beyond weight management. Mental stimulation from varied training prevents boredom-related problems like destructive behaviour or excessive barking. Physical activity from play rewards maintains muscle tone and cardiovascular health.
The real goal isn’t eliminating treats entirely but creating a sustainable training relationship with your pet. This means finding balance between effectiveness and health.
And do remember – you’re not alone! There are other pet owners facing similar challenges. Singapore has numerous pet training groups on Facebook and Telegram where members share successes and struggles. Learning from others’ experiences accelerates your own progress.
All in all, pet training takes patience and consistency, but the rewards extend far beyond tricks and commands. You’re giving your pet the gift of health while discovering new ways to communicate and connect. That’s worth more than all the treats in the world.
