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As a dog owner, it is your priority to give your dog the best quality of life. A safe and happy home, lots of cuddle time, a place to run and play, and of course, treats. Every dog owner knows the routine. As soon as you open a new box of treats, your furry friend will magically appear and give you those puppy dog eyes.
That look can be hard to resist, especially if treats are a regular part of your routine. However, too many treats aren’t necessarily good for your pup. Even the healthiest treats made from natural ingredients can interfere with your dog’s regular appetite and digestion.
Too many treats can lead to obesity in your dog which is an unhealthy state of life. Whether your beloved pet’s favorites are peanut butter dog treats or a bit of food off of your plate, it’s important to manage your treats to protect your pet. Let’s take a closer look at a few strategies to help you manage your dog’s treats.
Minimize Begging Opportunities
Once your dog is accustomed to getting treats when they ask for them, it can be difficult to change these behaviors. One of the most effective ways to change this habit is to minimize their opportunities to beg for treats. For example, if your dog often begs for a morsel from your meal, it’s a good idea to stop eating in front of them. You can put them outside during your meal time or eat in another room. Once you are finished, you can invite your dog back into your space.
Give Out Attention Instead of Treats
Your dog truly wants nothing more from you than your love and attention. If your dog is constantly begging for treats, you need to start replacing those handouts with lots of affection and play. When your dog signs that they want a treat, take the time to get down and play with them or give them lots of cuddles. They will quickly forget about their treats and enjoy the time and affection you are giving them.
Appropriate Timing
There is no rule against treats, on occasion. It’s important that you use treats as a reward for your dog and not as a supplement to a meal. While you are training or as a reward for good behavior, it’s still okay to give your dog a treat. Treat training is a great way to change behaviors, but should be conducted wisely and your dog should not become accustomed to only behaving well if they are rewarded. Work with a professional trainer to help you and your dog adopt a healthy treat training routine.
Healthy Treats
As you and your dog move towards a more manageable treat routine, it’s best to be ready with healthier options. You can share treats with your dogs like apple slices, green beans, or carrot sticks that will help keep the weight off both you and your dog. Holistic treats that are made with natural ingredients are also a great choice.
By following these tips, you have armed yourself with the tools that you need to help manage your dog’s treat schedule and keep them healthy and fit.
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