50 Treats to a Better-Behaved Dog: Mastering SMART x50 for Everyday Wins

I recently worked with a client whose energetic Labrador mix, Roxie, was a nightmare to recall from the backyard, chasing squirrels and ignoring calls every time. Frustrated, she tried the SMART x50 method I recommended: portioning 50 tiny treats daily and rewarding those fleeting good behaviors, like glancing back or pausing mid-sniff.

Within days, Roxie started checking in more, and by two weeks, her recalls were reliable with just a cue. No more yelling or bribes. It’s moments like these that remind me why positive reinforcement transforms lives, simple, effective, and bond-building.

“What if the secret to great dog training is to be a frequent ‘feeder’ rather than a strong leader? A skilled reinforcer rather than a strict enforcer?”  – Kathy Sdao

SMART x50 is a dog training protocol where “SMART” stands for See, Mark, and Reward Training, and the “x50” refers to performing this process 50 times each day. It involves preparing 50 treats; I like to use a mix of kibble, soft meaty, and something like chicken hearts in a convenient container. Throughout the day, owners actively watch for unprompted positive behaviors from their dog, such as lying calmly, not barking at passersby, or sitting politely, and immediately mark the behavior (with a verbal cue like “yes”) before delivering a treat. This method, popularized by Kathy Sdao in her book Plenty in Life is Free, shifts the focus from correcting unwanted actions to reinforcing desirable ones that occur naturally.

You’re basically catching your dog being good and paying them for it. Over time, your dog starts to realize that calm, polite behaviors make good things happen, and they’ll start offering those behaviors more and more, even without being asked. It’s simple, takes almost no extra time, and turns your normal day into dozens of little training wins.

Coach Wags Approach

1. Place treats in 2–3 convenient spots. Put a container by the door, a jar in the living room, and a pocket stash for walks. Fewer excuses = more marks.
   
2. Set a simple intention. Decide your focus for the day (e.g., calm greetings, leash check-ins, or settling in the crate). This keeps you mindful.
   
3. Watch during normal activities. While making coffee, getting ready, watching TV, or walking, be alert for spontaneous good choices from your dog.
   
4. Recognize only unprompted or clearly offered behaviors. Examples: lying calmly, sitting before the door, checking back on a walk, ignoring a passing dog.
   
5. Mark immediately, within one second. Use a clicker or a sharp verbal marker like “Yes!” The mark tells your dog exactly which moment earned the reward.
   
6. Reward right after the mark. Deliver one small treat immediately after marking. (If you can’t give a treat, use quick praise and promise a treat on the next opportunity.)
   
7. Keep reps short and frequent. Aim for ~50 marks spread through the day, not 50 in a row. Think “micro-wins” during normal life.
   
8. Track your count. Use a phone counter app, tally on a sticky note, or simple mental checks so you hit your target and stay engaged.
   
9. Include household helpers. Teach family members the marker word and ask them to reward the same behaviors; consistency beats perfect technique.
   
10. Fade treats gradually. As behavior becomes reliable, replace some treats with praise, petting, or reduced-value rewards so food dependency doesn’t build.

Pro Tip: Troubleshoot after the day. If a behavior didn’t increase, ask: Did I mark the right moment? Did I reward quickly? Was the reward valuable enough?

It builds better behavior without “training sessions”.

You don’t need to carve out extra time or set up drills S.M.A.R.T. x50 happens as you go about your day. By rewarding good choices in real time, you turn normal routines like making coffee, relaxing on the couch, or walking your dog into natural training moments.

It transforms your dog’s mindset (and yours).

Instead of waiting for your dog to do something wrong, you start noticing and rewarding what they do right — lying quietly, checking in, ignoring distractions. That shift builds trust, confidence, and a calmer dog who wants to repeat good behavior.

It works for every skill level and household.

You don’t have to be a pro trainer to use it. Anyone in the family can spot a good behavior, say “Yes!”, and hand over a treat. It’s simple, consistent, and helps avoid mixed messages that confuse your dog.

It creates lasting results through positivity.

Because your dog is constantly reinforced for calm, thoughtful behavior, those habits stick, even when you’re not rewarding every single time. You’ll see fewer outbursts, less frustration, and a stronger bond built on encouragement, not correction.

Ready to see real change without adding more training sessions to your day? Give SMART x50 a try for one month and watch what happens. This is one of Coach Wags’ favorite ways to capture desirable behaviors and help young or old dogs who are still finding their rhythm in a new home. Keep your treats handy, stay observant, and celebrate the calm, thoughtful choices your dog offers on their own. Jot down a few notes each week about what’s improving, maybe it’s less barking, smoother walks, or quicker settling at night. A month from now, you’ll be amazed at how fifty small moments a day can create a happier, more confident dog who truly feels at home.

For fun, we would love to see your photos of you using S.M.A.R.T x50. Make sure to tag us on Facebook and Instagram!