The tiny timing mistake most of us make with treats

You ask your dog for something. They do it. You say “yes”, then give the treat.

Simple—until you watch it back.

Many of us start reaching for the food before we say our marker word, or say the marker a moment after the behaviour we wanted. It is completely normal. Training happens quickly, and hands often move before our brains have caught up.

The point is not to chase perfection. It is to help your dog understand exactly what earned the reward.

Pick one very easy behaviour your dog already knows. When they reach the moment you want, use your marker word first. Then pause for a beat before reaching for the treat. That small pause can make the sequence clearer: that was the bit that worked.

If it feels awkward, slow the game down. Fewer repetitions, better set-up, and a reward pouch that is easy to reach can make a real difference. Video can be handy here because it lets you see the order of events. The guide explains why timing is worth paying attention to.

For a practical way to rehearse one clear behaviour and review your timing, try a short session in the 4muddypawz app.