How to train your dog without food?

You should allow them to explore, but you need to make sure they’re doing it safely. This is where fair trade comes in. Instead of taking something from them that they shouldn’t have, you trade it for something better. This means your puppy will want to give you what is in their mouth, rather than keeping it for themselves. Hold the hand with the item out, let them sniff and wait for them to look or move away from it. When they do, mark this and reward them with the tasty treat from the other hand. Over time your dog will start to look away as soon as they hear the cue. Try it in new places and add in distractions. You want them to learn that it is fun so start with a toy.

Measure Food One way of still providing a food-based reward without increasing their overall food consumption is to measure their food and reserve a portion of it for training. Just measure out all of the kibble that they will be fed for a day and set aside some kibble to be used for training. This way you are still rewarding them with a “treat” but are not increasing their food intake. Providing some good old snuggle time rewards your dog with warmth and love. A good snuggle session enhances the bond between you and your dog and makes them happy. Using toys instead of treats adds the element of play and games to your dog’s “work.” Toys can be used as a target for working dogs to get them to go to their mark. What dog doesn’t love hearing an enthusiastic “good boy!” or “good girl!” from their master? Hearing this praise makes them happy and motivated to continue pleasing their owner with desired behavior. Even if your dog is not as responsive to praise at first, if combined with a treat or toy they will soon become praise seekers. Rewarding your dog with some good playtime is yet another way to enhance your bond with them and keep them stimulated and happy. Going for a nice walk is another activity you can provide them. A walk gives them exercise, stimulates their mind, and again, is great for bonding. Anything that your dog finds value in can be used as a reward.

Wait for your dog to back off from your hand, even just slightly or for a moment. Repeat these three steps until they consistently make the choice to move away from the treat. Once your dog is consistently moving away from the treat, you can start to add in the cue word 'leave'. Say this in a gentle tone as they back off and then open your hand to give them the treat and lots of praise. Ask your dog to leave it by saying 'leave'. If your dog stays away from the treat, reward them with lots of praise and a treat from the other hand. If your dog goes to take the treat from your open palm, simply close your hand up and wait for them to back away. Give them a treat from the other hand when they successfully manage to leave the treat in your open hand. Practise this many times in short, regular sessions.