How to Give a Dog a Treat: Vet Approved Tips, Do's & Don'ts

Some of us habitually toss table scraps on the floor for the dog to enjoy. While there’s nothing fundamentally wrong with this, training your dog to properly accept a treat from your hand (or anyone’s for that matter) has long-term behavioral benefits.

In this post, we break down different methods in how to teach your dog to politely accept a treat, as well as different methods for offering the treat. But before we do, let’s understand why treat etiquette matters.

Treat Etiquette 101 (And Why It Matters)

When it comes to dogs, training is crucial. Most people associate this with learning basic commands like “sit” and “stay.” So, where does accepting a treat fall into play?

Teaching your dog to accept a treat encompasses all kinds of smaller “tests,” like patience, gentleness, and self-control—traits that take your dog’s manners to the next level and make them favorable amongst other dogs and humans.

Teaching your dog how to accept a treat is like teaching your child table manners. There are occasions when it’s acceptable to break the rules, but they come in handy when it’s time to keep the elbows off the table.

The Dos and Don’ts of Offering Treats

Treat etiquette is a two-way street. Half of the effort falls on your dog, but the other half falls on your shoulders.

How to Give a Dog a Treat: Level 1

Best For: Puppies and beginners

• Step 1: Grasp the Treat

Grasp the treat in your hand with a closed fist.

• Step 2: Offer the Treat

Move your fist just under your dog’s chin. If they try to bite your fist to get to the treat, keep your hand closed and wait. When they stop biting and only nudge and lick, open your fist and let them eat the treat. Repeat several times.

Clicker Training Option: When your dog stops biting your fist, “click” and immediately offer a treat. 

• Step 3: Add a Command

When your dog starts to understand the concept, add the command “gentle” as soon as you open your hand.

• Step 4: Move the Treat

Now move the treat between your finger and your thumb and say “gentle”. If your dog tries to grab it, hide the treat in your fist and return to closed/open fist training until the skill is re-learned. Move the treat back between your finger and thumb and try again. When your dog can be patient for a few seconds, offer the treat.

Clicker Training Option: When your dog remains gentle for a few seconds, “click” and immediately offer a treat. 

How to Give a Dog a Treat: Level 2

Best For: Dogs who understand the “sit” and “stay” command

• Step 1: Call Your Dog

Call your dog and have them sit in front of you.

• Step 2: Grasp the Treat

Hold the treat in a closed fist and place it below the chin line.

• Step 3: If Your Pup Lunges

If your pup lunges toward the treat, pull your hand back and give the “sit” or “stay” command.

• Step 4: If Your Pup Sits and Stays

If your dog does as they’re told, raise and offer the treat. Repeat.

Clicker Training Option: After a few seconds of your dog staying still, “click” and offer the treat. 

How to Give a Dog a Treat: Level 3

Best For: Well-trained adult dogs

• Step 1: Call Your Dog

Call your dog and give the “sit” or “stay” command.

• Step 2: Present the Treat

Place the treat between your finger and thumb while lifting the other three fingers. Your hand should form the “okay” hand symbol. Hold for several seconds.

• Step 3: If Your Pup Lunges

If your pup lunges toward the treat or sniffs and licks the treat, pull your hand back and give the sit-stay command. Present the treat again.

• Step 4: If Your Pup Sits and Stays

If your pup remains patient, lower the three outer fingers while saying “gentle” and offer the treat.

Clicker Training Option: After a few seconds of your dog remaining patient, “click” while you lower your fingers. 

Conclusion

Even though offering a treat seems basic, practicing good treat etiquette encourages foundational skills in dog manners. So, the next time you offer a treat to your dog, pay attention to their habits (and yours). You might need to brush up on your skills, too!

Featured Image Credit: ReddogsReddogs, Shutterstock