Dogs quickly learn associations, recognizing cues like picking up a leash as a signal for a walk. Similarly, we create associations with treats by pairing a word with a reward, making the experience enjoyable for them. Gradually varying the rewards maintains their excitement, ensuring they remain engaged and motivated during training sessions.

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When we first work with a dog, we're very generous with treats. Our dogs have often come from a less-than-generous atmosphere, so it's important to reset them to where they don’t have to try so hard to score a delicious hot dog. Every time they do something right, they get a YES and a treat (called mark and treat). Your marker word doesn’t need to be "YES", but it should be short and said with enthusiasm.

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As the dog becomes more proficient, we introduce variations in treat distribution to reinforce desired behaviors effectively. This may involve rewarding every correct action initially, then gradually reducing the frequency of treats while still ensuring consistency. Randomizing treats during the initial training period encourages the dog to remain attentive and responsive in diverse environments, preparing them for real-world situations where distractions may be present.