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If you’re a pet owner, chances are that you offer treats to your pets for various reasons. You may treat them to encourage good behavior or do a trick. Or, perhaps you are giving them a treat just because you love them so much. Either way, pet treats play a big role in pet ownership. And it’s not just because the best way to show your pet some love is through their stomach (though it definitely helps).

The Role of Treats in Pet Training and Behavior Reinforcement

Heading off to your first day of pet training with your dog is exciting. You have this affordable little puppy who already loves you so much. And that love truly is unconditional. But loving your pet isn’t enough to give them a happy and healthy life. They must be given rules and boundaries to thrive and behave at their best.

So, don your personalized dog sweatshirt, which by now you surely have (if not, order it now), pop some puppy-appropriate treats into your pocket, and head to class. You don’t want to be late!

The Power of Positive Reinforcement

As we mentioned above, dogs need rules and boundaries. It’s all about positive reinforcement. Praise them and reward them with something they love (a treat) a few times, and they’ll start to learn that this is desirable behavior. When they’re naughty, gently scolding them and withholding the treat will start to show them that they don’t get that yummy snack when they act in that way.

One common term for this approach is referred to as operant conditioning. Do something good and something good happens to you in return. Do something less desirable, and not only is there no reward, but there may be some mild punishment or redirection to accompany it. Repeating this behavior, especially for those good actions, will result in more and more good reactions.

The conditioning helps teach the dog new skills and what is expected of him. When their masters, you, provide the treats, the dog feels more love and wants to do more to please you.

Choosing the Right Treats for Pet Training

However, while operant conditioning works very well for training our pets to do what we want, there are some things to remember. Most dogs, hungry or not, will gladly accept a treat for a well-done job. But, too many treats in a short period of time is not always so good. It’s important to balance their nutritional needs with the desired results of the training.

Stick to one of the following training treats to keep your dog happy, healthy, and ready to learn:

• Cooked lean meat (think boiled chicken instead of hot dogs)
• Peanut butter treats (just ensure it does not contain Xylitol, which can be very toxic for dogs)
• Pumpkin flesh cut into very small bite-size pieces
• Small apple chunks
• Fresh carrots, green beans, or broccoli

Also, be sure to check with your vet for recommendations on the best training snacks for your pet based on its breed and specific health needs.

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Treats as a Medium of Affection and Communication

Giving treats to your pets isn't just about teaching them tricks or good behavior. It's also a special way to show them love and affection. Think of it like giving a friend a thoughtful gift because you care about them.

Sharing treat moments with your pets is like telling them, "I love you," without using words. These moments can make both you and your pet feel happy and loved. And know that doing this is a great way for your entire family to strengthen their relationship with your pet.

However, it’s important to remember that even though it's fun to give treats, we should do it with some thought behind it. Like too much candy isn't good for us, too many treats aren't good for pets. Choosing healthy treats is a way to show our pets love by caring for their health. This means picking treats that are good for them and won't make them unhealthy. In fact, the same treats we suggested for training can easily be repurposed at home as well.

To make treat time even more special, try adding a personal touch. You may have a special bowl you use only for treat time, or you may find treats that are slightly different from the usual ones. You can even get creative with giving them treats, like turning them into a little game or hiding them for a fun surprise. These small things can make treat time a fun and loving moment between you and your pet, strengthening your bond.

Celebrating Special Occasions with Treats

Your pet’s veterinarian has likely explained to you the dangers of giving your dog table scraps. There are so many toxic elements in people's food that your pet can get quite ill if you're not careful. So, if you are celebrating a special occasion, be prepared with a safe way to celebrate with your pet included.

This might mean heading to the local pet bakery for a pup-safe cupcake. Or, maybe you’ll splurge in the freezer section of your grocery store for some pet-friendly ice cream. You could also continue to have some healthy treats on hand to keep your pet engaged and behaving well throughout the festivities.

In fact, want to help create a connection between an extended family member and your beloved pet? Show them how to safely offer Fido (or Fiona the cat) a coveted treat. Not only will your pet love it, but it’ll be more likely to trust the outsider and stay on its best behavior.

Loving Your Pet: One Treat at a Time

We hope this article has helped to raise awareness of the significance of treats in developing a bond between you and your pet and how treats can be used to reinforce excellent behaviors. Let treat time be a special time. Just make sure you do it with your pet’s health first and foremost in mind.