🐾 Trainer Tip Friday: How to Fade Out Treats (Without Losing Progress)

One of the most common questions we hear in class is:
“Will I have to use treats forever?”

First of all—great question. You’re not alone in wondering that. The short answer? No, not forever. But it’s important to know when and how to fade treats so your dog keeps building confidence—and you don’t lose the progress you’ve both worked so hard for.

Let’s walk through this together. 💛

🪜 Step 1: Make Sure the Behavior is Solid

Before we fade anything, make sure your dog really knows the cue.

That means your pup can do the behavior:

• On cue (not just guessing)

• Without needing a lure

• In more than one setting

• Even with some distractions

If your dog is still learning or just not quite reliable yet, stick with consistent rewards for now. You’re not spoiling them—you’re setting them up for success.

🔁 Step 2: Start Using Variable Reinforcement (and the Power of “Good”)

Once your dog has a behavior down, you can start rewarding some of the time—but that doesn’t mean leaving them in the dark.

At Zoom Room, we use interim markers to help dogs stay engaged throughout a sequence.

Let’s say you’re asking your dog to do 5 cues in a row: Sit, Down, Stand, Spin, Touch.

• As your dog completes each step, you say “Good.”
  This tells them: “Yes, you’re doing great—keep going.”

• At the end of the sequence, you say “Yes!”—your final marker, which means: “You did it! Reward’s coming.”

This gives your dog real-time feedback, even when the treat comes later.

🐕 Step 3: Add Real-Life Rewards (Like Potty Breaks!)

As your dog gets more reliable, start rewarding with things they naturally want in the moment.

This doesn’t have to be complicated—just think about what your dog wants right now, and make that the reward.

For example, with our dog Grim, one of his favorite things in the world is heading out to the grassy patch at the end of the parking lot to go potty. We use that daily routine as a training opportunity:

• He walks politely with us to the grass

• When we get there, we ask for a Sit and a Wait

• Then we release him to go potty as the reward

To Grim, being released to sniff and pee is just as motivating (if not more!) than a treat. And because it’s part of his normal routine, we’re reinforcing good behavior in real life—not just in class.

🧠 Step 4: Keep a Treat in Your Pocket (and Be Ready to Adjust)

Even when you’ve started fading treats, keep one handy—especially for those surprise moments when your dog gives you something awesome.

Also remember: some days are just off.

A cue that’s usually easy might feel harder today—maybe your dog is tired, stressed, or the environment is overwhelming. That’s totally normal.

On days like that, it’s okay to lower your criteria.
👉 Go back to a simpler version of the behavior.
👉 Use a lure.
👉 Let them take a treat for an easy win.

That quick success can reset the tone of the session—and help your dog feel confident again. From there, you can build right back up.

Success breeds success. Always.

💬 Final Thought: You’re Not Failing—You’re Learning

Fading treats isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being present.
Your dog doesn’t need you to have all the answers. They just need your guidance and encouragement—especially on the hard days.

Training is a relationship. Not a race.
You’re doing better than you think—and your dog knows it. ❤️

We’re always here if you need support, adjustments, or just a quick win of your own.

Feel free to contact us for any questions or topics you want us to cover at cos@zoomroom.com.