Training Dogs with Love

Tamar uses a lot of treats while training, but she says most dog owners make common mistakes when it comes to rewarding their pups. Depending on the task at hand, dog owners might be giving too many or not giving enough. "The dog remembered or learned to sit a year ago and you gave him a jackpot for sitting. It's kind of like you don't get excited when your 20-year-old knows what two and two is," Tamar says. "So you need to give the reward in proportion to what they accomplished. Just like you do with salaries. Just like you do with allowance."

In the beginning, Tamar says to use just a little bit to get them to first respond to a reward. Then, she recommends gradually eliminating the treats once the dog has a handle on the command.