Gundog Training WITHOUT Treats!

How Gundog Training Utilises Positive Rewards Without Treats

Gundog training naturally lends itself to positive reinforcement without relying on food rewards. Instead, praise, play, and work-related rewards are used to reinforce good behavior while building a strong bond between the handler and the dog.

Here’s how:

1. Praise as a Reward
Gundogs thrive on handler interaction. Verbal praise (“Good dog!”) and physical affection (a scratch behind the ears or a pat on the chest) serve as powerful reinforcers. Dogs read tone exceptionally well, so a warm, encouraging voice signals success, while a neutral or firm tone signals a mistake.

2. Play as a Reward
For many gundogs, retrieving is the ultimate reward. Instead of handing out treats, trainers can:

  • Give an extra retrieve as a reward.
  • Engage in a short game of tug (if appropriate for the dog).
  • Let the dog carry a dummy for a few moments after a successful retrieve.
  • Use a fun recall by crouching, clapping, and encouraging the dog to sprint back joyfully.
This taps into their natural instincts, making training fun and engaging.

3. Work as a Reward
Gundogs are bred to work, and many find the act of hunting, retrieving, or searching more rewarding than food. The key is using access to work as a reinforcer:
  • A dog that sits patiently before a retrieve gets the reward of being sent for the dummy.
  • A steady dog is allowed to continue hunting.
  • A recall at speed results in another opportunity to work.
By using their drive to work as the ultimate reward, trainers reinforce obedience in a way that feels natural to the dog.

4. Bonding Through Training
Without treats, the handler becomes the reward. The dog learns to look to the handler for guidance, affection, and the opportunity to work. This creates a stronger relationship, where the dog listens because they genuinely enjoy working with their handler, not just because there’s food involved. Why This Method Works for Gundogs
  • It builds a genuine working relationship rather than dependency on food.
  • It keeps the dog focused in the field, where treats aren’t practical.
  • It encourages self-control and patience, as rewards come from work, not instant gratification.
  • It plays to the gundog’s natural instincts, making training feel less like an artificial exercise and more like a fulfilling activity.
By reinforcing behaviors with praise, play, and the opportunity to work, gundogs become reliable, engaged, and bonded to their handlers without the need for food-based rewards.