Getting Treats - Do's and Don't's

Hi Pack - it's Cora -

On my walk this morning, I received some pee-mail from an anxious Airedale Terrier who asked for advice on getting some better quality treats.  Seems his humans go for the bargain brands that he's not crazy about.

First, you have to realize it's not about doing tricks.  Some dogs "fetch" an assortment of stupid items - balls, sticks, flying disks - I don't chase things.  I have people for that. Some dogs eat a lot of human food and don't get dog treats at all. While I like the occasional human food snack, I maintain a balance of high quality dog food on a strict schedule with strategic treats throughout the day.  It took careful training, but my humans now understand that I cannot be expected to focus on their safety without my Trader Joe treats.  I especially like these because they are nutritious, not too heavy on calories and come in the shapes of wonderful things like squirrels, shoes, couches and bones! Whatever your favorite is, make sure to reward your human with behaviors they understand and appreciate.

Just wagging your tail isn't going to do anything but get you a pat on the head. If you want to insure the continuance and quality of your treats, do things like sniff the perimeter of your home, huffing and making little noises as if you are giving your approval.  Or, my favorite, stand by the door and give a quiet bark and warning growl, then look back to make sure they noticed.  Showing them that you're "on the job" ups your treat value.

If they ignore you or give you less than quality treats, sit facing the wall, any wall in view of your humans, and don't look at them.  Don't acknowledge them in any way.  Sigh often.  When they come to you, and they will, to see if you're all right, look at them with your saddest eyes.  Then, when they give you the poor treat, sniff it and turn away.  Do not give in to temptation!  Do not eat it! Believe me, turning that treat away will ensure that you get a better treat!  Remember though, when you do get the treats you really want, reward your humans with the "guarding routine" or put your head on their lap with happy eyes and then lay contentedly at their feet.

Most importantly, don't give up!  People are not as smart as dogs.  Give them time and they will learn. My people did.

Cora

If you have a problem with your people or even other dogs, drop me a line in the comments box below and if it interests me, I'll give you an answer.

Next time;  Getting EXTRA treats!