Stop Your Dog Snapping For Treats

While I’m walking your dogs, I like to use positive reinforcement. This includes the use of toys, games and treats.

From time to time a dog (especially the younger ones) can be a bit snappy / snatchy with treats while on walks which can result in sore fingers! So to solve this problem I use a really simple, positive and effective training technique to stop a dog snapping for treats. If you find your dog leaving you with sore fingers, you may find these tips useful.

Train your dog to take treats gently

First, ensure your dog is calm and alert. Ask your dog to sit. You wish to start with a lower value treat. Then either hold the treat inside your fist or in you palm, covered with your thumb. Hold your hand under your dog’s chin. (You may wish to wear gloves if your dogs teeth are a bit ouchie!)

Encourage your dog to explore your closed fist gently with their nose and tongue but NOT their teeth. If they do use their teeth or become rough at all, calmly tell them ‘no’ or ‘gently, and calmly revove your hand away from them.

When they are gentle, release the treat and either ‘click’, say ‘yes’ or whatever your praise word your dog is use to. For my dog its either ‘yes’ or ‘good girl’.

Repeat this until your dog learns that if they are gentle, they will receive the treat.

Once your dog has started to improve you can begin to try higher value treats. Then try holding the treat between your forefinger and thumb.

Below is a video which I found useful.