Let’s talk about dog treats (Photo: Blue-eyed Husky taking a treat from a human hand)
The treat aisle in every pet store is overflowing with cute packaging, eye-catching artwork, and promises to do everything from keeping Fido’s teeth clean to helping Flora’s joints.
I’ve worked with lots of pet parents who have been told that their dog is overweight by their veterinarian. Some have been warned that if the weight doesn’t stay off, knee surgery will be necessary.
From someone who has had knee surgery, trust me — you don’t want your dog to have to go through that. Period.
Protect your dog from painful surgeries by keeping their weight healthy (Photo: overweight senior pug sits on a stool,)
So, how can we reward our dogs without making them obese?
Here are a few tips to help your dog maintain a healthy weight.
FOOD REWARDS: One of the best ways to bond with your dog is to spend time with her and teach her things. Turn your dog’s mealtimes into mini training sessions and watch your relationship flourish. Use her regular meal ration as her reward as you work on commands that will save her life (think “come” and “leave it”), and fun tricks too.
TINY PIECES: Cut liver treats into pea-sized cubes. Not only will this reduce the amount of treats given, it will help your training sessions too. You don’t want your dog focussed on crumbs and chewing. You want her focusing on you to find out what’s next.
VEGGIES AND FRUITS: Some dogs will do anything for a carrot, a piece of broccoli, or a blueberry.
Tiny pieces, please (Photo: Frenchie being offered a whole banana whilst wearing a onesie covered in pictures of bananas)
INGREDIENTS: Select treats with very short ingredient lists, like liver treats. You may be surprised that your dog doesn’t really need to have toxic farts after all. You’re welcome.
VERBAL PRAISE: Remember to verbally praise your dog as you reward her with a piece of her kibble or a small treat. Your praise is a very big reward to your dog. You’ll soon find you need wayyyy less treats because she’s happy to work for your praise.
WORK: Remember that dogs love to work for food. Don’t just hand them a treat every time they walk into a room. Make your dog work for it. Have them sit. Have them lay down. Teach them to stay. That last one comes in super handy when you’re changing a diaper, break a glass in the kitchen, or drop something on the floor that’s toxic to dogs and need to clean it up.
Turn mealtimes into training sessions to improve your relationship with your dog (Photo: puppy sitting for a treat beside an empty food bowl,)
Have a safe and happy Hallowe’en (Photo: Bulldog dressed up as a ghost)
Have a safe and happy Hallowe’en, Dog Leaders!
Alyssa
Photos by: Marek Szturc @marxgall (Blue-eyed Husky taking a treat from a human hand,) Jorge Zapata
@jorgezapatag (overweight senior pug sits on a stool,) Karsten Winegeart
@karsten116 (Frenchie being offered a whole banana whilst wearing a onesie covered in pictures of bananas,)
Kacper Chrzanowski @typowy (puppy sitting for a treat beside an empty food bowl,) Upsplash Images (Bulldog dressed up as a ghost.)