There are different ways to reward your dog for obedience training. You can praise them, cuddle them, or give them a toy to play with. However, when it comes to the most efficient and convenient way to pique their interest or manipulate their behaviour, providing them, dog treats are still the best option. Dogs are active by nature, and some breeds are too much eager to please their masters. By giving them dog treats, they will be more excited to earn their rewards and work hard for it.
With the proper dog training approach, you can get them to obey your commands quickly. Dog treats are so far the most effective way in dog training routines, and part of this training is your dog’s oral hygiene. With adequate care, you can rest assured that your dog’s teeth and gums will be free of bacteria that may cause adverse health effects to you and your pets.
Types of Dog Training Treats
Many types of dog treats are generally available in the market. The key to choosing the right style for your dog is to figure out which one they like most. To learn what your dog prefers the most is by trial and error. The first step is to introduce the different kinds of dog treats to your dog and observe their reactions by feeding them a small amount of each type. Then you can tell which triggers the best response. Below are the types of dog treats:
Quick-Eating Dog Treats
The key to practical training is keeping your dog interested at all times. By giving them dog treats that that can eat quickly, you’ll have more time to repeat the training process while keeping them waiting for more rewards. This method is beneficial when introducing new tricks to your dog. Another advantage of giving them tiny pieces of dog treats during training is that they will feel less satiated, which keeps their energies on high levels. Bigger chunks may leave your dog feeling full and be less responsive to your commands.
Smelly and Soft Treats
The same idea applies to these types of dog treats. Soft food is more comfortable to consume, plus the smell makes them more attractive to your dogs. It can trigger a heightened sense of excitement that enables your dog to work eagerly. Dogs have an enhanced sense of smell compared to us humans, so giving them smelly treats adds to their excitement.
Mixed Approach
Try combining the dog treats up a little so that your dog won’t get tired of your rewards. You can either give them biscuits or soft food at different intervals to keep them wanting more. The key is to always grab their attention by surprising them with different types of treats. This method will also tell you which type your dog loves the most.
A Pocket with Food
The advantage of carrying dog treats in your pocket can help you reinforce certain behaviours that you are working on instantly. For example, your dog’s general demeanour inside the house, if you want them to behave and not mess around with people’s food, you can continue their obedience training anytime, and you can give them treats from your pocket. Impromptu training can sometimes enhance dog training efficiency.
Slow-Eating Dog Treats
The purpose of giving your dogs these kinds of treats in your dog training, is to promote contentment in staying at one place. By consuming slow-eating dog treats, you encourage your dog’s behaviour to remain at your preferred location without creating a fuzz.
Choosing the Right Dog Treats
It is essential to choose the right type of dog treats for your dog to ensure their safety. Dogs, like humans, are also allergic to some ingredients, that may trigger adverse reactions to their overall health. So, here is the list of things to avoid:
- Any food with xylitol
- Chocolate
- Coffee
- Any food with caffeine
- Onions
- Garlic
- Chive
- Uncooked meat
- Grapes
- Raisins
- Salty food
- Any food with an alcoholic content
Be sure to check the contents of your dog treats before purchasing. By avoiding these ingredients, you can be sure that your dog will be healthy at all times.
Recommended Food
Here’s a list of the recommended ingredients for your dogs
- Meat (processed or cooked)
- Organ Meat (processed or cooked)
- Carbohydrates
- Healthy Source of Fatty Food
- Fibre
- Electrolytes
- Vitamins and Minerals
Choose the best brands to make sure these ingredients are included.
Conclusion
The major takeaway are the benefits of providing high-quality dog treats to your dogs in your dog training sessions. Not only does it increase efficiency, but it also helps in your dog’s overall health. What you can gain are the following:
- Increased obedience
- Heightened responsiveness
- Improved behaviour
- Improved bonding
- Healthier lifestyle for your dog
Remember to brush your dog’s teeth with the right tools to make sure that the bacteria build-up is reduced. Your dog is a part of your family, and keeping them clean at all times will be both beneficial to you and your dog’s health. Dog training can be more exciting with the right approach.
