Pairing... effective or no?

[ryand]

Some people have told me that using food as a traing tool is a bad idea...

First, what are peoples feelings on this.

Second, what about using food and pairing it simultaneously with petting and praise.... I mean eventually will the petting and praise eventually be enough to motivate the dog ( with occasional rewards and continued pairing )

the idea behind this is there are things you cant bring to the field, but I still think they are effective as tools in training (i.e. food)

thanks =)

[WorkinDogz]

Personally, I use food to train. In the imprinting stage (puppy teaching) I reward with food and verbal only praise. No physical praise. Remember; there are very specific times when you're ALLOWED to touch your dog in a trial. I don't want my dogs to associate praise (as a reward) with petting. Verbal praise can and IS just as positive and well received by the dog as a means of reward.

Even with my fully trained dogs; the only time I don't use food reward periodically throughout the obedience routine is when I'm in a trial.

Bunches of ways to get the same results; this is just what I've done with my own dogs

[Terri's Rotti]

I use a clicker, treats, and praise. When I fade the clicker I still use treats and praise.

[LisaS]

I think pairing food or toys with verbal praise teaches the dog the meaning of verbal praise - otherwise "good dog" is just noise to them.
I think of it like with little kids you give gold stars, stickers, and "good job" to motivate them to learn and reward them - by the time you are in college a gold star would be silly - but an "excellent paper" written across the top of the page still carries meaning. My point is, that as the dog grows older and has more behavior learning experience, the treats and toys can be faded from every time to once-in-awhile, and verbal praise can fill in the gaps. JMHO.

[This message has been edited by LisaS (edited September 21, 2000).]