When we set out to make the best 100% beef liver treats for our dogs, we knew they all went wild for the smell and taste of the slow roasted beef liver. We also knew there was more to the story than the tasty treat itself. If your dogs are like ours, they react at the slightest sound— a rustle from outside, the jingle of our keys, or when the pantry door opens.
We wanted to combine the positive associations they have with the taste of the treat they know and love along with the sound the treat makes in its container! As a USDA inspected facility that also makes tasty, convenient and healthy ‘people’ food, we already use specific cups for other products and we knew our pets would have a positive association with the distinctive sound our treats made if we put them in our cups! Try shaking our cups and offering the liver treat and you’ll see how you can quickly build good behavior and bonds with both sound and smell!
Establish Associations with these Tips:
- Begin by associating specific sounds or smells with desired behaviors. For example, if you want your dog to associate the sound of our cup shaking with receiving a treat, start by shaking the cup and immediately follow it with a 100% beef liver treat.
- Selecting Effective Cues: Choose cues that are distinct and easily recognizable to your dog. Whether it's a verbal command or a unique sound, consistency is key in ensuring your dog understands what is expected of them.
- Utilizing Scent-Based Training: Introduce scent cues to reinforce desired behaviors. For instance, if you want your dog to learn to sit, you can rub a bit of our liver treat on your hand and lure them into the sitting position. Over time, they'll associate the scent with the action of sitting and respond accordingly.
- Incorporating Environmental Enrichment: Engage your dog's sense of smell through enrichment activities. Hide treats or toys around the house and encourage your dog to use their nose to locate them. This not only provides mental stimulation but also strengthens the bond between you and your pet.
- Pairing Sounds with Rewards: Pair specific sounds, such as the shake of a treat cup or a verbal praise cue, with immediate rewards. This helps your dog understand that the sound indicates a positive outcome, reinforcing the behavior you want to encourage.
- Consistency and Patience: Consistency is paramount in training success. Stick to your chosen cues and be patient with your dog as they learn to associate sounds and smells with specific behaviors. With time and repetition, they'll become more adept at responding to your cues.
- Monitoring Progress and Adjusting Strategies: Monitor your dog's progress and adjust your training strategies as needed. Every dog is unique, so it's essential to adapt your approach to suit your pet's individual temperament and learning style.
The simple yet transformative act of shaking treats in a cup—a seemingly mundane sound holds immense significance for our dogs. Each time you shake the cup and then provide a treat, this auditory cue becomes synonymous with the anticipation of reward, igniting a cascade of positive emotions and behaviors. By incorporating smell and sound into your training routine, you can create a dynamic and engaging learning experience for your dog while reinforcing positive behaviors.
Keep us posted on how your pup responds to the Shake!
