What treats should you give your furry friend? The manual of gourmet dog training!
Like us, dogs are food-motivated and will always appreciate a little treat. Moreover, if you're training your four-legged friend, treats are great rewards that will keep your pooch motivated and attentive. But how do you choose the right snacks based on your dog's needs and preferences? Buckle up, and let's get started!
1. Why give treats?
Dogs are generally food-motivated. So when you want to train your dog, one of the best ways to motivate them is with food! From young puppies to old dogs, sometimes you need to train them or teach them new tricks, so a little treat that makes their mouths water and off they go.
It's a **positive** learning method that associates good behavior with a reward, transforming training sessions into real canine celebrations. And between us, a well-trained pooch deserves his share of treats, doesn't he?
2. Suitable treats
Many choices are available on the market, but how do you recognize the ones that are right for your dog?
Prioritize quality and good shapes
Choose high-quality, flavorful meat or fish- based foods, free from artificial ingredients and preservatives. Opt for treats that are easy to give and slip into your pocket for an instant reward. Remember to choose according to the size and jaw of your faithful companion: small puppies love soft bites, while adults prefer a bone to chew on.
⚠️ Absolutely avoid: Chocolate is toxic to dogs. Also avoid tomatoes, raisins, cherries, avocados, onions, leeks, chives, and peppers.
✅ To favour (in moderation): Broccoli, peas, beans, cucumber, celery, spinach, pineapple, strawberries.
Watch out for your bones!
It is recommended not to give your dog easily brittle bones (chicken, duck, rabbit, mutton, lamb, or pork). Furthermore:
- Opt for hard bones like beef bones , and always eat them raw !
- Never give your dog a cooked bone as cooked bones are brittle or crumbly, increasing the risk of intestinal obstruction, perforation of the digestive system, choking, or mouth injury.
3. Quality for a fit dog
To delight your dog's taste buds, aim for the very best treats! Opt for high-protein snacks that are as delicious as they are nutritious. For professional-level training, a regular and varied use of 100% natural treats is recommended (avoid candy, cheese, and biscuits).
To maintain a healthy weight, choose low-calorie treats. Keep in mind that a treat is a reward, but for a dog, it's the thought that counts. So, opt for small pieces, even if it means giving them more, rather than large pieces that can lead to weight problems.
4. A one-off pleasure
As they say, too much of a good thing can sometimes be... too much! So yes, treats are perfect for effective training, but be careful not to overdo it. Otherwise, the magic fades and motivation disappears. Even worse, your dog might neglect their regular meal to devour their snacks, leading to health problems and obesity.
As you train your pet, gradually reduce the amount and frequency of treats. The goal? That they no longer need a reward at every turn to listen to you. Balance is key!
5. Treats and training: a winning combination
Using treats is ideal for teaching the basics: sit, heel, stay, drop it, and many more.
- For optimal learning, opt for **small chunks** for the points to remember such as basic commands.
- Use larger pieces when the effort required is greater (such as ignoring another dog, for example).
- The key is to reward exemplary behavior; do not distribute treats randomly.
- Avoid giving a treat at the end of a walk simply because he has been good without a direct link to a specific behavior.
Conclusion
Choosing and using treats wisely transforms training into a fun and shared experience. By following these tips on quality, quantity, and frequency, you'll not only ensure the success of your training sessions but also the health and well-being of your loyal companion.
So, get your treats ready, set, reward! And don't forget: a dog rewarded with love and intelligence is a happy and well-behaved dog. 😊