I have a 2-year-old Malinois and I am training him with affection instead of treats it's a long road but I am finding the rewards worth the wait does anybody else agree with the way I'm doing it?
The first thing to consider in training is what it is that motivates your dog. With some it's praise, with some it's treats, with others it's play. Once you've found the right motivator, training is a dream. My present little one loves to be told she's a good girl and that motivates her more than anything. Sam, my previous Collie would have sold his soul for his tennis ball. Jade needed physical contact so cuddles were what turned her on. Every dog is different so there is no right or wrong way to reward.
I train tricks with treats... But obedience with praise. I love the people who leash train with treats and then the dog is focused upwards most of the time expecting a treat and isn't even aware of his surroundings or paying attention. To me, different types of training work better with different types of rewards. My dog is very food focused so I know trying to train obedience with food isn't effective. He loses focus on the task and focuses on the food.
