This is a huge mistake because the stimulus is where the problems begin. If a trainer focuses only on consequences, without giving proper attention to stimuli or antecedents, the behavior portion sits exposed on one side, like an open-faced sandwich. A dog's brain will focus on all three parts of the ABCs. forging orderly links. It connects every action to immediate consequences, then connects back to what happened just before the action occurred. Recurring stimuli, such as hand signals and vocal commands, eventually are reorganized as precursors for what happens next.
Dependable stimuli trigger dependable behavior.
When trainers use treats, the goodies are usually in their hands, pockets or bait bags. Having the reinforcers easily accessible allows their hands to be used as teaching aids. This method is fast and it works. For example, a dog that follows a hand holding food can learn hand signals at the same time. Many of the antecedents that treat-trained dogs learn are precisely those that we all want our dogs to learn.