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This is sort of a simplified explanation of the way I look at it. It's hard to explain exactly what I mean, but here goes:
Treats are what they are. What I mean by that is whatever helps produce those "feel good" hormones during your interactions with your dog. It could be a click/food reward, or pat on the head or a quick game with a tug toy, etc. I have learned by experience that whatever it takes is a "treat" because it makes the dog feel good. Physically. And if the behavior feels good, it becomes habitual.
Once a dog has reached the "red zone" as someone mentioned, it's too late to try anything - they are driven by "bad hormones" and they really can't control their reactions. The idea, imo, is to catch that beforehand, redirect, and avoid the notorious "red zone". Avoiding and re-directing, by any means possible, is a "treat". To me, that means not adding to the stress with anything that is considered negative by the dog, including grabbing, yanking, yelling, throwing things at them, etc. Letting them get to the point of no return is actually a punishment of sorts.
Even using treats after a behavior is ingrained or a trick is solid, in my mind, boosts the dog's confidence that they are still doing it right, and it feels good.
If you got flowers from someone every week, you'd still say thank-you to them each time right? Good things need to be rewarded, even dogs need the sense that you appreciate them.
Treats are what they are. What I mean by that is whatever helps produce those "feel good" hormones during your interactions with your dog. It could be a click/food reward, or pat on the head or a quick game with a tug toy, etc. I have learned by experience that whatever it takes is a "treat" because it makes the dog feel good. Physically. And if the behavior feels good, it becomes habitual.
Once a dog has reached the "red zone" as someone mentioned, it's too late to try anything - they are driven by "bad hormones" and they really can't control their reactions. The idea, imo, is to catch that beforehand, redirect, and avoid the notorious "red zone". Avoiding and re-directing, by any means possible, is a "treat". To me, that means not adding to the stress with anything that is considered negative by the dog, including grabbing, yanking, yelling, throwing things at them, etc. Letting them get to the point of no return is actually a punishment of sorts.
Even using treats after a behavior is ingrained or a trick is solid, in my mind, boosts the dog's confidence that they are still doing it right, and it feels good.
If you got flowers from someone every week, you'd still say thank-you to them each time right? Good things need to be rewarded, even dogs need the sense that you appreciate them.
