Treats aren’t bribes
Myth: “If you use treats, you are bribing your dog”Truth: Treats are a positive reward — payment for a job well done! Just like we get paid for work, dogs need motivation to learn new skills.
Using treats isn’t bribery – it’s giving your dog a clear, positive signal that they did the right thing. Treats or toys can both be used as rewards for any age, but with very young dogs, treats are usually the easiest and most practical option.
As training progresses, you can keep things fun and engaging by mixing in different kinds of rewards alongside food:
- Toy Rewards: a quick game of tug, fetch, or chasing a favourite toy.
- Praise: enthusiastic verbal encouragement, petting, or tummy rubs.
- Life Rewards: letting them go outside, sniff around, or explore a new area.
- Challenges and experiences: learning a new trick, navigating a short obstacle, or solving a puzzle toy.
By varying rewards, your dog stays motivated and engaged while building positive associations — training becomes an enjoyable experience for both of you.
The Teenage Years
Is your once-perfect puppy suddenly ignoring you?
Welcome to the teenage stage! Between 6–18 months, dogs often go through a second “testing” phase. Just like human teenagers, they may:
- Ignore cues they know well
- Get distracted more easily
- Push boundaries or develop new undesirable habits
This stage is completely normal—it’s your dog’s brain and body maturing.
Why training doesn’t stop at puppyhood:
Even though your pup has grown, they’re still learning how to behave in the big wide world. Without consistent guidance, habits like jumping up, pulling on the lead, or not coming when called can creep in.
That’s where we can help.
We run Junior Dog Classes and can offer 1-2-1 training to support you through this phase—giving you the tools to manage challenges and set your dog up for lifelong confidence and good manners.
Tips to help your teenage dog thrive:
- Keep training sessions short, fun, and consistent
- Reward good choices—don’t just correct mistakes
- Give them plenty of mental stimulation (puzzle toys, sniff walks, trick training)
- Practise recall and focus exercises in different environments
With patience, practice, and the right support, this tricky phase passes—and your young dog will come out the other side calmer, more focused, and a joy to live with.
Contact us: info@pawsibilities.co.uk for more information