Food rewards are generally M+M size .... large items like dog biscuits (or even many kibbles) are not at all high-value and they cause all kinds of disruptions in the session .... the dog has to chew it up, and the dog may seek fallen crumbs ..... the dog may even choke.
Also, it's very easy to bake a boneless skinless poultry breast and then dice it into a million pencil-eraser-size rewards. This makes a non-greasy reward that won't grime up your bait bag, and some can be frozen for later.
And that thread I linked mentions a "mixed bag," which is usually my preference.
I use a base of Leerburg Soft Training Treats, Zuke's Mini, sometimes Biscotti (all here: http://leerburg.com/treat.htm ), and usually add bits of real cooked meat or odorous cheese, etc.
Rob Maltese Webboard User Reg: 03-21-2014
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Axle gets the Zuke Mini's in all 3 different flavors, but the issue we have when we use them is he chokes/gags on them. Any suggestions to fixing this? Should we slow down the training sessions a bit?
Rob Maltese Webboard User Reg: 03-21-2014
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Quote: Connie Sutherland
He chokes or gags on one of those?
And you are giving the tiny ones (Minis)? One at a time?
Mini's. I would say he gags, he coughs and it comes up he searches it out and chews/eats it. One at a time. I don't know if he's inhaling it from excitement or what.
Connie Sutherland Moderator Reg: 07-13-2005
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Huh. This is a new one on me, even though I have trained (and now own) real Hoover-dogs.
Is he OK with his supper?
IF HE IS OK with his supper, then I'd try the Leerburg Soft Training Treats from the link above. They are both smaller and softer than the Zuke's. (In fact, they're soft enough that they kind of clump together in the can, but it's very easy to re-separate them. (I buy them a lot, too.)
Also the soft (not overcooked) poultry breast might be just right. This is easily tested by trying a few bits cut from people-food.
Connie Sutherland Moderator Reg: 07-13-2005
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Quote: Rob Maltese
His supper he is fine, no choking/gagging at all. I'll have to finish off these Zukes then order up some from y'all...
Got the Zukes for a steal, buy one get one free for the big bags!
I'd seal those up tight and freeze them (or at least store in a cool dry place in a container).
I believe that you will probably be able to use them once he recovers from the thrill of HV rewards, but I wouldn't want him to be choking or gagging, both for obvious (inhalation) reasons, and also because the smooth flow of a session is so broken up. In addition, it will probably taint the experience.
I'd try a few pieces of soft cooked meat or chicken or hard-boiled egg WHITES*, and see what happens. Also, perhaps this dog needs to train after supper rather than before. (I have one like that. He is so food-driven that the bait bag is just too exciting for him unless he has eaten supper. And he's still pretty excited to see it, but at least he's not moaning and offering his repertoire on an endless loop. )
JMO!
* A bunch of egg YOLK will almost surely trigger diarrhea in a dog who isn't used to them.
Rob Maltese Webboard User Reg: 03-21-2014
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It happens more often when he tries to run or move quick after he receives the treat. Very well could be that I am treating incorrectly. Also training always occurs after eating, he gets fed breakfast & dinner...2 cups each sitting.
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