Pizzle for chewing pleasure, biscuits for pampering and mini sweets as a reward. The selection of delicious bites for dogs is huge. When used sensibly, they help with education, keep the teeth healthy and clean and are a real treat for the four-legged friends. But there are a few things to consider.
Treats are not a menu
Just as we couldn't eat cake and chocolate without suffering from deficiencies, dogs don't find all the nutrients they need for their health in the tastiest morsels. They should and want to be only an extra. Like any food, they are high in calories. The delicious pizzle, the crispy pig's ear, the pieces of cheese and the popular liver sausage quickly show up on the scales for small dogs, while it takes a little longer for larger ones.
So if you're generous with treats, you need to save on main meals. Or you choose the alternative and give small pieces of dry food as a treat. They contain everything the dog needs to live and still taste good.
Not a matter of course
We humans have been wired since the Stone Age to show affection by sharing meals. dogs don't. They don't invite you to eat together. Do not be so generous with treats, otherwise they will no longer be linked to desired behavior, but will be rigorously demanded.
Diligence should always come before the price. Even if it's just giving the paw. The dog quickly learns that he has to do something to get the treat.
Fine, better, tastiest
Why do we humans play the lottery? Because we hope for the jackpot.
Using the same principle, you should use treats . You know which bite is the most desirable for the dog. It doesn't always happen, but randomly every now and then. Or just after a real heroic deed. In the dog, hope for the jackpot is cemented when it behaves as desired. Therefore step down. Have regular goodies, extra good ones, and the superfood treats ready.
focus on the wrong
If you wave a treat in front of the dog's nose while making a wish for the dog, it will focus on the scented part and put aside your words, whistles, and gestures. The signals then penetrate only slowly into the dog's brain. However, if you awaken hope for the reward and really only give it after the correct execution, the dog pays close attention to what you say or show.
Dental care that tastes good
The dental sticks, which clean teeth and prevent plaque, cannot replace brushing your teeth, but they serve their purpose. When chewing, the pieces get into the spaces between the teeth and rub off any loose covering.
Chewing bones aren't very good at this, but they match the eating manners of wild dogs. They gnaw on the bones of their prey long after their main meals. A wellness activity that you can treat your dog to. Because it creates a sense of well-being and enjoyment.