Why don’t dogs “unlearn” commands once they stop receiving treats?
In: Biology
TL;DR it depends on the intelligence of the dog
They will forget commands if unused. This will take place faster if (many) other commands are taught and repeated to replace the existing one.
Stopping the receiving of treats is only so important. My dog knows many commands. He hasn’t received a treat for sitting for many years. Still he knows he will receive many commands in a day and many he will receive treats for.
This is how training actually works. “I am the bestower of treats and obeying my* commands is how you will receive said treats”
*Having other people give commands and treats is how you get your dogs to obey anyone and not just you
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