When is a dog ready to move from food rewards to real life rewards?

A dog is ready to move from food rewards to real-life rewards when it consistently demonstrates reliable behavior on cue and shows a good understanding of the commands being taught. This typically occurs after several weeks of training, during which the dog has developed a strong association between the command and the reward. Additionally, it's important to gradually introduce real-life rewards, such as playtime or praise, to ensure the dog remains motivated and engaged. Monitoring the dog's response during this transition will help determine if they are ready for the change.