
The importance of treats in dog training
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Treats are an integral part of dog training. They serve as a reward, motivation and positive reinforcement tool. Especially for puppies and young dogs, dog treats are essential to encourage desired behaviors.
Why are treats so important?
- Reward and motivation: Dogs learn faster when desired behavior is directly rewarded.
- Bonding: Regular positive interactions with dog snacks strengthen the relationship between dog and owner.
- Training: Whether puppy training or obedience training - training treats allow commands to be practiced more effectively.
- Health benefits: Chews such as beef scalp, pig ears or duck necks promote tooth wear and can keep your dog's teeth healthy.
The right choice of dog treats
Not every treat is suitable for every dog. It depends on age, activity level and nutritional requirements.
Treats for puppies
Puppies need small, soft treats that are easy to chew. Puppy snacks should be of high quality and contain no artificial additives. Ideal are
- Training sausage - particularly soft and easy to portion
- Liver sausage cookies - homemade treats without preservatives
- Pea flakes & grain-free dog treats - easily digestible and gentle on the insulin metabolism
- Natural chews such as sheep's rumen - good for digestion
Treats for adult dogs
Adult dogs can enjoy a wider variety of dog snacks. Particularly popular are
- Dry chews such as minced beef or beef scalp
- Chew bones for long-lasting chewing fun
- Pomegranate seeds - contain valuable bulk elements and antioxidants
- Naturavetal & Canice - natural dog snacks without artificial additives
Treats for senior dogs
Older dogs often have more sensitive teeth and slower digestion. Senior dogs benefit from:
- Soft snacks, e.g. frozen meat or canned fish
- Recipes with additional benefits, e.g. herbal treats for joints
- Easily digestible meat cans, e.g. rabbit or rumen
Healthy snacks vs. unsuitable treats
Not all snacks are healthy for dogs. You should consider the following points:
Good choice:
✔ Grain-free dog treats with high-quality ingredients ✔ Natural chews such as pig ears or sheep's rumen ✔ Dog cookies without sugar & artificial flavors ✔ Species-appropriate treats with a high meat content
Avoid:
✖ Too many carbohydrates, as they can lead to obesity ✖ Chocolate, onions, grapes & raisins - poisonous for dogs! ✖ Low-quality canned meat with a high grain content ✖ Excessive calorie intake - leads to weight gain
Use treats sensibly during training
Dog treats should be dosed correctly during training:
- Small & frequent: Many small rewards are better than a few large ones
- Vary: Different dog snacks keep motivation high
- Additional benefits: Herbal treats can support health
Conclusion
Treats are essential for dog bonding, training and education. It is important to choose high-quality snacks and dose them correctly. Whether young dogs, puppies or senior dogs - there are suitable rewards for every four-legged friend!