Just as parents require children to use good manners at home as well as in public, so dog owners should expect the same of their canine family members. Puppies should always sit to be fed, get a treat, get petted, have leash attached to collar, go out the door or get out of the crate or the car or any other time when they are told to sit. Puppies should also lie down or stand to be groomed, stand for a veterinary exam, and lie quietly in a crate. Type of food Food treats for training should be tiny, easy to eat, and as crumbless as possible. Small cubes of hot dogs or chicken work well, and there are several soft treats available in pet supply stores and departments.
Some puppies love cheese in a can, but handling the can is awkward in training sessions.
For cheese-loving puppies, string cheese or small cubes of cheddar are more convenient. Big crunchy treats like dog biscuits interfere with the flow of training because the pup loses concentration while chewing and looking for crumbs. However, small pieces of non-sugared cereal such as Cheerios or Kix can be used successfully. Whatever food treat is chosen, the training session should be held when the pup is hungry. Some trainers use food for every new command they teach, then gradually diminish the use of treats as the dog gains in understanding and proficiency.