HOW TO TREAT YOUR DOG
By SANDY ROBINS
The dictionary definition of the noun “treat” describes it “as anything that affords particular pleasure or enjoyment.”
And treating your dog is undoubtedly a two-way street when it comes to giving pleasure to your favorite pooch and simultaneously making you feel good watching his sheer enjoyment.
Simply put, treating your dog is a wonderful way of enhancing the human-animal bond.
It’s important to remember that even healthy treats, made for top quality ingredients such as the various treats produced by Merrick Pet Care and featured on our special treat segment on Pet Product TV, contain calories.
When it comes to treating for your favorite canine, make sure the number of treats you dispense daily are included in your dog’s daily calorie allowance and not in addition to his daily food amount. Over treating by not taking this into account, leads to obesity.
Treating your dog is not only about dispensing something yummy along with hugs and belly rugs of affection. Treats are a great training tool when used in positive re-enforcement training methods. Merrick Pet Care’s Power Bites are a nice size for a training treat. But it’s also a good idea to take your dog’s favorite treat and break it up into smaller pieces to be used as training rewards.
Treats are also a great way to help your pooch through tasks that he may not outwardly enjoy such as being bathed and groomed. If your dog knows he will get a special treat when the grooming session is all over, he will be much more tolerant of the situation.
Treats also work well with puzzle toys especially designed for dogs to give them both mental and stimulation. Puzzle toys are great to keep them busy when left home alone and also hone their natural instincts to hunt for food.
When shopping for treats, be sure to purchase different flavors and textures. Apart from checking the calorie count, make sure you take special note of the ingredients. Pets that suffer from allergies will do better on treats that are both grain-free and gluten-free. And be sure to stay away from proteins that you know your dog may be allergic to as well.
For more information about the products featured in the Pet Product TV episode on treats, visit www.MerrickPetCare.com.
