Sounds innocent enough, doesn't it?  In reality, it's TEASING or BRIBING.

 Using food for preschool-socializing, commands, or tricks is not only wrong, it creates more PROBLEMS then one could imagine.

 We look into the dog's confused eyes after giving a command with no results.  We keep repeating the command, hoping and praying that they will figure it out.  Meanwhile, they keep staring at the treat. 

 Realizing their frustration and knowing that they have no idea of what is wanted from them, many of us give in.  Without realizing it, we've taught the dog that they don't have to obey to get a treat.  By giving the dog the food without the proper results, we've confused them.  If we don't give the treat, we will have TEASED them.  It's a no-win situation!

 Now, let's assume the dog obeys and they get a treat.  At some point, all of us have seen a parent bribing a child.  The parent says, "If you do this, I will give you that."  How will they get their child or dog to behave without a bribe?  This BRIBING method doesn't teach what you really want, which is your dog's respect!

 Using the food method, even with the best of intentions, will be confusing to the dog.  The dog will acquire a craving for people food/treats.  When the treats are not being given, the dog will try to get them on their own by stealing them from kids' hands, off of tables, the floor or the garbage (inside or out) etc... 

 What this food method creates is a sneak thief for food or a dog that begs for food when ever possible (usually both) and a dog that can be easily poisoned by a criminal or accidentally.  Most trainers call this method positive reinforcement!  Do any of the end results in italics look positive to you? 

 Are these end results the work of an expert or an amateur trainer?