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.
Which are your dog’s favourite toys?
When people ask what to bring along to training sessions —whether it’s to our Agility, Hoopers, 1-2-1 Life Skills, Puppy, or Junior classes—we always say: Bring some of your dog’s favourite toys
Of course, as dog owners, we all have that overflowing toy box, but we want to know: What’s the toy that your dog really loves
- The squeaky one?
- The half-destroyed teddy?
- The chewed-up ball?
- A stolen sock?
Want to turn long, dark evenings in to tail wagging fun memories
Our online trick class is the perfect way to keep you and your dog active, entertained, and engaged this winter
Stay motivated and add fun to your routine during the colder months, all from the warmth and comfort of your home!
- Teach your dog exciting new tricks while building trust and teamwork.
- Keep your dog sharp and happy with exercises to challenge their mind and body.
- Don’t let winter drag you down—make it a season of laughter and learning with your best friend!
Six Fab Tricks for February
Last Sunday we held our Six Fab Tricks for February class at Logie Durno Hall near to Inverurie. As with our previous Special tricks classes, we demonstrated the required steps to build towards the final tricks and then individually helped each of the students to work through the steps with their dog.
I really enjoy these trick classes as its possible to see dogs and their owners quickly develop their trick skills in a short period of time in a fun and amusing way.
Everyone was able to leave the course having learnt some new tricks, but just as importantly some new training skills to allow them to develop and progress new tricks of their own.
Six Fab Tricks for February
Hot on the heals of the Six Tricks for Christmas Class we ran in December, we are enlisting the help of Trick Training Guru Emily Anderson and her famous Trick Spaniel Leo for another two hours of fun.
The workshop is perfect for beginners and advanced dog/handler pairs as we will adapt the trick to your level
Head on over to our Trick Training Hub to book your place, but you will need to be quick!
Six Tricks for Christmas
I think I can confidently say that everybody had fun last Sunday during the Six Tricks for Christmas special class! And to all the participants, I hope you will be able to impress your friends with your new tricks.
If you feel you have missed out, keep an eye on Canine Pawsibilities page or message me for our next special trick class!
In addition, you can start your trick journey today by joining our online Tricks for Treats school
