MOOLE CANINE GROUP

High-Value Treat Training

Please reach out if you would like virtual or in-person training on how to use the HVT Training methodology on your dog or if you would like us to train your dog. We offer various packages and services!

A Full Wing of the Moole Canine Group — Built on its Official Training Methodology

The Moole Canine Group uses the High-Value Treat Training (HVT) system across every part of the organization, including Moole Kennels, Moole Sanctuary, and all dogs developed, raised, or cared for within the program. HVT emphasizes relationship-building, consistency, environmental enrichment, health, and reward-based learning using high-value treats rather than aversive tools. The first step is to find treats and/or other forms of rewards (if the dog is not treat-motivated) that the dog is highly responsive to. Try to find a variety of them so you can rotate and avoid fatigue. Toys work for some dogs. Trying various treats and finding the dog’s favorite flavors is generally best.

Pillar 1 — Exercise & Environmental Stimulation

Every dog receives approximately 90 minutes of dedicated outdoor time daily. This may be one long walk, one long play session, or divided between walking, sniffing, exploration, off-leash time where appropriate, dog park play, fetch, running, wrestling with compatible dogs, and owner interaction. The objective is physical conditioning and environmental stimulation through regular exposure to different sights, sounds, surfaces, smells, and experiences. Additional outdoor time beyond the 90-minute target is encouraged whenever practical.

Pillar 2 — Pen / Crate Training

HVT prefers exercise pens over crates because they provide additional space while still teaching calm independence. If only a crate is available, the same philosophy applies. Standards: Minimum one hour per day in a pen or crate. Every entry is rewarded with high-value treats. All meals are served inside the enclosure. Food may be eaten with the door open. The ‘Home’ command sends the dog into the enclosure and is rewarded. This should be one of the first commands taught in Pillar 8. The objective is a strong positive association, comfort, relaxation, and impulse control.

Pillar 3 — Potty Training

HVT emphasizes consistency and positive reinforcement. Outdoor elimination is immediately rewarded with praise and high-value treats. As reliability develops, treats are gradually reduced while verbal praise continues. When accidents happen indoors, calmly interrupt if caught in the act with a firm “No!”, clean thoroughly without punishment, and return the dog to the established outdoor routine. The objective is reliable outdoor habits built through routine, repetition, and positive associations.

Pillar 4 — Feeding

HVT uses a free-feeding philosophy built around approximately 50% raw (or freeze-dried raw) food and 50% kibble. The raw portion should be the preferred portion of the meal, while the kibble should be less palatable so it is consumed when the dog is genuinely hungry. Raw food resembles the dog’s ancestral diet and is highly appealing to most dogs. Meals are prepared by filling the bowl with approximately half raw and half kibble. Optional additions include turmeric, pumpkin, and two healthy snack biscuits for variety. The bowl remains available until completely finished. Once empty, the bowl is washed and refilled. The intention is to discourage selective eating while allowing the dog to self-regulate intake. The dog will self-regulate its weight by eagerly enjoying the raw food and leaving the kibble for when it is truly hungry. This promotes pleasure around meals while preventing obesity. The chosen kibble must not be highly appealing in taste.

Pillar 5 — Supplementation

Daily supplementation includes a multivitamin, joint support, probiotic, lion’s mane for cognition, four blueberries (often paired with peanut butter), and a daily VOHC-approved dental chew. Breed-specific supplements are added according to the needs of each breed. For example, Dobermans may receive heart-support supplements, while Golden Retrievers may receive supplements intended to support long-term health based on breed predispositions (such as Turkey Tail for Cancer Suppression). These products will all be available through Moole Labs. Daily prescribed medications are administered alongside the supplementation schedule when applicable.

Pillar 6 — Hygiene & Grooming

Daily hygiene includes tooth brushing and a nightly wipe-down using a grooming glove or wet wipe. Owners may also wipe the dog after returning indoors from outdoor activities if desired. Ear flush is performed approximately once per week as appropriate. Professional grooming intervals are generally every six to eight weeks, adjusted for coat type and breed.

Pillar 7 — Mobility & Stretching

Mobility work is performed daily. Each of the four limbs is stretched through five movements: flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, and gentle compression. Each position is held for 10 seconds. After limb mobility, spinal work includes nose-to-hip rotations to both sides followed by a bow stretch for 10 seconds each as well. High-value treats are used as needed while teaching the routine so the dog gradually associates stretching with relaxation and willingly participates.

Pillar 8 — Mental Enrichment & Command Training

Before the daily review session, work begins with one command the dog has not yet mastered. Continue until five successful repetitions are completed. After some days or weeks, the dog will consistently be performing 5 repetitions of the new trick in a row with ease. At this point, the command will be added to the dog’s library and a new command will be chosen or invented to be taught for the learning phase. After the learning phase of training daily, begin a 15-minute timed review using a randomizer loaded with previously learned commands. This will act as the dog’s growing trick library. If the dog knows only a small number of commands, continue practicing those commands for the remainder of the session. As the command library grows, randomized review promotes retention while new commands continue to be introduced. The objective is continual learning, mastery, long-term memory, and enthusiastic engagement with training.

Core Philosophy

High-value rewards over aversive tools. Consistent daily routines. Physical health, mental enrichment, and mobility. Positive human-canine relationships. Lifelong learning. Structured care across every Moole Canine Group program.

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