I often say that some dogs aren’t gaining weight because they’re lazy couch potatoes — they’re gaining weight because they’re very well trained. Yes, you read that right! Many dogs are simply getting too many treats during training sessions — and often high-calorie ones on top of their daily meals.
A few extra pounds might not sound like much, but for a dog, that can mean the difference between fit and obese. So while I absolutely want your dog to be polite, responsive, and a joy to live with, I don’t want them to be a pudgy overachiever.
Now, there are plenty of dogs that train every single day and stay lean. So, what’s their secret? Let’s talk about how to keep your dog trim and motivated — without cutting out the rewards that make training fun and effective.
Why Food Works So Well in Training
Food is universal. It’s primal. It’s motivating. That’s why reward-based trainers (like me!) love it so much — it’s one of the most effective tools for shaping behavior.
If your dog isn’t food-motivated, there are usually reasons behind it:
- Tummy trouble — if your dog has stomach issues, eating might not feel great. Check with your vet.
- Overfeeding — a full dog is a lazy learner. Many dogs will stop eating once they’re satisfied.
- Boredom — imagine eating the same bland meal every day. You’d lose interest too.
- Food sensitivity — some foods simply don’t sit well.
If you skip a meal or two, you might be surprised to see your “not food motivated” dog suddenly showing up for class eager and ready to earn that snack. Remember: dogs are natural scavengers — eating when the opportunity arises is part of who they are.
Mind the Calories
Treats used in training count as food. Period. Measure out what you’ll use for training, then subtract that amount from your dog’s regular meals. It’s not about depriving — it’s about balance and awareness.
Turn Mealtime Into Training Time
If you feed kibble and your dog likes it, use part of their daily meal as training rewards. Skip this if you feed raw — it’s just not practical (or hygienic). Keep treats tiny — think pea-sized. Some commercial treats are only three calories each. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could have dessert like that?
Reward Wisely
If your dog already has a perfect “sit,” you don’t need to hand over a treat every single time. Instead, reward occasionally to keep the behavior strong and enjoyable. But when you’re teaching something new, pay generously. Every correct repetition deserves a reward until your dog masters the behavior. Once that happens, you can gradually reduce how often you reinforce it. Stop rewarding altogether, and the behavior will eventually fade away. Dogs do what works for them — no reward, no reason to keep doing it.
Match the Reward to the Task
If I’m working with a fearful or aggressive dog, kibble won’t cut it. That’s when I bring out the good stuff — chicken, cheese, turkey. The more emotional the situation, the higher the value of the reward should be.
Work With Hunger, Not Against It
A dog who’s not hungry is a dog who’s not working. Before long training sessions or challenging exercises (like recall), skip a meal. A motivated dog is a focused dog. It’s not cruel — it’s practical. Remember, no motivation, no training.
Think Beyond Food
Food is powerful, but it’s not the only game in town. Play, praise, access to favorite toys, and even the chance to go outside can be incredible motivators.
Try using “life rewards.” Ask for a polite sit before opening the door. Reward calm behavior by tossing a ball. Offer a special toy after a great training session. These moments teach your dog that good behavior makes good things happen — not just cookies.
A Word About Praise
We humans love to talk, but dogs don’t speak our language. They learn that praise is a signal that something good is coming — not necessarily the reward itself. So when your dog wags their tail at your “good boy!” they’re really thinking, “Where’s my cookie?” And honestly, can you blame them?
In the end, good training is about balance. You can absolutely have a dog who’s fit, happy, and loves to work for you — without overfeeding or overindulging. Measure, plan, and remember: your words, your time, and your creativity are just as powerful as any treat.
Let’s train smarter — not heavier. 🐾