Owning a pet is a joy, but let’s face it—those vet bills and pet supply costs can add up. You love your four-legged friend, but you also need to keep your finances intact. In this guide, we’ll give you tips on  budget-friendly pet care to ensure your furbaby thrives without draining your wallet.

Breaking Down Pet Care Expenses

Before we list the tips, let’s break down the typical expenses associated with caring for your beloved pet.

1. Veterinary Care

Routine check-ups
Vaccinations
Emergency veterinary services

2. Nutrition

High-quality pet food
Treats and supplements

3. Flea and Tick Prevention

4. Grooming

Brushes, combs, and grooming tools
Shampoo and other grooming products
Professional grooming services (if needed)

5. Accessories

Collars, leashes, and harnesses
Bedding and toys
Clothing and accessories

6. Training and Behavior

Training classes or materials
Behavior consultations or therapies
Playdates and vacations

7. Pet Insurance

Monthly premiums
Deductibles and copays

8. Unexpected Expenses

Emergency vet visits
Medications
Unexpected repairs or replacements for damaged items
Budgeting Tips for Pet Owners

Pet Budgeting Tips

Affordable vet care

We all want our pets to be healthy, but vet bills can sometimes catch us off guard. Instead of overspending or reaching for credit cards, let’s explore excellent ways to stick to a budget while ensuring your pet receives the necessary care. Local shelters often host budget-friendly vaccination clinics, providing a more affordable option for essential pet care. You can also check out community colleges with veterinary programs as they may offer discounted services. These alternatives can help you maintain your pet’s well-being without straining your finances. Regular check-ups play a crucial role in catching issues early, ultimately saving you money in the long run.

Pet insurance

Think of pet insurance as a financial safety net for your furry friend. While it might seem like an extra expense, it is one of the essential pet budgeting tips since it can save you a lot in unexpected medical bills. Research different plans and choose one that fits your budget while covering essential services. It’s like having insurance for both your pet’s health and your finances.

DIY grooming

Skip the expensive dog salons and invest in basic grooming tools. Brushing your pet regularly not only strengthens your bond but also reduces shedding and prevents matting. Online tutorials can turn you into a grooming pro, and you might find that your pet enjoys the home spa day just as much.

Budget-friendly nutrition

Quality pet food is crucial, but it doesn’t have to break the bank. Look for discounts and bulk deals from local and online retailers. Consider joining loyalty programs for exclusive discounts and freebies. Store brands often have the same nutritional standards as pricier options. A balanced diet is what matters most, and it doesn’t have to cost a fortune.

Beach escapades for free fun

Explore dog-friendly beaches for a budget-friendly outing. These beaches often have no admission fees, providing a perfect adventure for your pet without breaking the bank. Pack some treats, grab a frisbee, and enjoy the sun together without worrying about entry tickets.

Thrifty toys

Pet stores are full of tempting toys, but your pet doesn’t care about the price tag. Get creative with old socks, cardboard boxes, and plastic bottles. Rotate toys regularly to keep things interesting, and you’ll find your pet just as entertained without spending a fortune.

Cheap fashion finds

Dressing up your pet is cute, but designer pet clothes can be pricey. Check out local thrift stores or online marketplaces for gently used outfits. Your pet doesn’t care about brand names; they just want to look cute and feel comfortable. Consider DIY pet fashion for a fun and cost-effective way to indulge your pet’s wardrobe.

Playdates for all

Arrange playdates with fellow pet owners for both social interaction for your pet and cost-saving tips for you. From pet-sitting exchanges to joint bulk purchases, teaming up with other pet parents can save you money and create a sense of community.

Discounts-hunting

Keep an eye out for discounts and promotions on pet products and services. Sign up for newsletters, follow pet supply stores on social media, and explore cashback apps. Loyalty often comes with exclusive deals that can make a significant difference in your overall pet care expenses.

Routine

Establishing a routine isn’t just good for your sanity; it’s excellent for your budget too. Regular exercise, balanced meals, and preventive care become habits, preventing unexpected expenses. The predictability of a routine allows you to plan and budget effectively, ensuring you’re always one step ahead in the game of pet parenthood.

Final Thoughts

Being a responsible pet parent doesn’t mean draining your bank account. With a few strategies and some creativity, you can use these pet budgeting tips to provide your furbaby with the love and care they need without sacrificing your financial well-being. Remember, it’s the simple joys and shared moments that matter most to your pet, and those don’t come with a price tag.

 

 

We must have watched Tom and Jerry back when we were young. Did you notice how the cat and dog in the cartoon never got along? Those characters represented how cats and dogs can never be friends. Instead, they were true allies.

If you want to add a dog to your household that already has a cat, then things may be getting difficult for you as a pet owner. According to 2022 research, whenever a dog sees a cat, they usually run after it or become over-excited.

Both cats and dogs have opposite personalities. Dogs are hyper and playful, whereas cats are calm. However, both have territorial issues. Some dogs can quickly be friends with cats, but sometimes it can take months.

Even if your dog has lived with a cat in the past, know that it may still take time to tolerate each other. Every phase of the introduction may be different from the previous one.  With patience and consistency, it is possible that both your pets can become friends someday.  This article will discuss the five steps of introducing a dog to a cat.

Step 1: Preparing for the Introduction

Before you introduce a dog to a cat to one another, prepare yourself for it. Preparation allows you to understand the personalities of your cat and dog. Take some time to understand their personalities. Observe them in a calm environment. Notice their socialization skills or if they display any aggression.

You must also ensure that both of your pets are healthy and have their vaccinations up to date. They must be free from any contagious illness. Therefore, you must take them to the vet for a general check-up. Also, inform the vet about introducing both of them so that you may get a professional insight too.

Prepare your home for the introduction by creating safe spaces for both pets. These safe areas must have bedding, toys, water, food, and the best dematting tool for doodles. The secure space will allow your pets to remain comfortable without conflict. It will give them a sense of security.

Step 2: Introducing the Scent

Introducing them to each other’s scent helps them to recognize one another. It would help if you exchanged the bedding and toys between the dogs and cats for this. The process will help them get familiar with one another.

It will also reduce any chance of territorial issues that they may develop during the introduction. When your cat or dog smells another scent in their space, they will positively associate themselves with that scent.

Step 3: Gradual Desensitization

Only start the introduction indirectly. As a pet owner, you must learn how your cat or dog will react in the introduction phase. So, it is always better to be prepared for any situation. Install a baby gate or any type of physical barrier between them. It can even be two separate crates or cages.

Ensure that both of your pets can smell and see each other. If you are using crates, make sure they are large enough for them to feel comfortable in their space. During this phase, closely monitor the reaction of both your pets. Notice the body language that they have. Are they showing signs of aggression, fear, or even stress?

If they show negative body language, you must know to take a step back. It also means that your cat and dog require more time to get to know each other. You can start with 15 minutes and then gradually increase the interaction time.

Step 4: Face-to-face Interaction

When you notice that the body language of both your pets has improved during step 3, then it is time to introduce them face to face. But be prepared for any reaction since they will meet face-to-face for the first time. Leash both pets so you can control them if anything goes sideways.

Create an environment that is calming for both of your pets. Do not make loud noises, and avoid sudden movements at all costs. Be ready to reward your cat and dog if they react positively. So every time they are friendly towards one another, give them a treat. It encourages positive reinforcement and helps in creating strong bonds.

At any moment, if you feel that there is certain uneasiness or tension between the two, then get ready. Do not shout at your pets for behaving aggressively. Gently take them back to their safe spaces with the help of their leashes.

 

Step 5: Prepare for Unsupervised Interactions

As your pets understand each other, they will get more comfortable with one another. That is when you will have to increase the unsupervised interaction. Begin unsupervised interactions gradually. Extend this duration to longer so you may not face any issues.

If you notice any signs of aggression during unsupervised interaction, counteract it accordingly. You can also take help from a trained dog behaviorist to make the process easier.

Tips to Make Transition Easier

To make the transition easier, add these extra tips so that your pets can get comfortable with each other.

·        Keep treats close.
Treats help in rewarding any good behavior that your pets display. It is essential in case the interaction goes differently than you expect. These treats can bring you out of a stressful situation.

·        Have extra help nearby.
Ask your friend or relative to stop by when you plan unsupervised interaction if your friend is another best pet owner. You can hold the leash of one of your pets, and your friend can do it for your other pet.  Close the distance if you notice a calm behavior between the two.

·        Retrain your dog.
Before starting unsupervised or supervised interaction, ensure your dog knows his commands. Make them remember positive, simple commands like ‘sit’ or ‘stay.’

·        Keep the feeding area separate.
Your canine friend may like the taste of cat food, so keep those two bowls separate. Continue feeding them separately even when they transition successfully.

Conclusion

When you introduce a dog to a cat, you’ll need patience and consistency for a smooth interaction flow. Following these steps will ensure that your dog and cat will establish a lifelong bond with one another. These steps are also officially published by RSPCA. The introduction phase may be challenging to manage, especially if you are a new pet owner.

Acknowledge and treat your pets positively when they behave. If you still find resolving the issue between the two, ask for professional help. Remember, both dogs and cats are unique animals with unique characteristics. Take your time with this process, as it may create long-term effects on their personalities.

 

Spring has emerged and with summer just around the corner, we all want a well kept bug free yard and garden this year.  But did you know that most chemical pesticides that promise to kill and repel your insect problems are actually just as harmful to you, your children, your pets, and the environment?

In fact, many chemicals over the past 50 years have been found to have been the root cause of many cancers, neurological diseases, gastrointestinal and respiratory diseases, as well as birth defects found in both humans and animals.

The EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) has reported that most wildlife poisonings are pesticide related cases. These pesticides can enter the body through the air, through absorption of the skin and can also enter through the digestive tract if eaten or licked. These pesticides can also rub off and be carried onto clothes, shoes, paws and fur. Some pesticides even stay on the surface of grass for more than 48 hours.

Why are Chemical Pesticides Dangerous?

Unfortunately, studies have shown that over the years insects have built up a resistance to chemical pesticides.  So, while the chemicals are not as effective, we “non-targeted organisms” which includes our pets, are still having all of the negative consequences.

Chemical based pesticides can essentially get into the water sources due to rainfall washing off into drainage areas, into our wells, ponds rivers and lakes.  This has had a negative impact on beneficial insects, such as butterflies and bees.  They are killed along with targeted insects due to the chemical pesticides. Depending on the chemical’s half-life, it can stay in the soil from up to 4 to 5 years.  You see,  when some pesticides breakdown, they just breakdown into new chemicals that can potentially be worse than the original form.  Plus, some pesticides stay in our bodies, as well as in our pet’s bodies, for well up to a year.

Safe and Non-toxic Alternatives to Dangerous Chemical Pesticides

What safe and natural products can we use instead to protect ourselves and the yard from all these persistent invasive insects and the dangers of chemical pesticides? One of the best natural organic methods of insect control is horticultural oils. Using horticultural oils as pesticides is beneficial to humans, children, pets, and the environment.

Horticultural oils often contain olive oil, coconut oil, jojoba oil, neem oil, mild insecticidal soap and other natural organic bases. They can easily be applied to large areas by spraying concentrated versions by attaching to a garden hose and combining with water.  If it rains, the residue will not harm the environment, and it can be reapplied after the rain ends.

Unlike chemical pesticides, horticultural oils allow you to enjoy your yard without the wait. Certain horticultural oils can even be safe to spray on clothing and inside of the home.  They can also be beneficial when sprayed onto the skin to not only repel bugs but also relieve itching, pain, and swelling.  Horticultural oils are even better at targeting and repelling specific insects and allowing all of the beneficial plant insects to thrive without damaging your plants or yard.

It is crucial for your own health and the health of your family and your pets that you always read labels and instructions for proper use of any pesticides.  Always purchase from a trusted chemical free source that uses correct strains of herbs or plants and also uses clean properly diluted oils.  This is because some oils can harm you or your pets if the concentration is too high.

Also, always use a small amount of a new product on a test area.  Watch for any adverse reactions allergies or sensitivity in both humans, pets or environment. Be sure to check that the oils in the product you are using is safe for the types of pets in the environment you apply.  For instance, avoid tea tree oil because it is very toxic to most animals and people if accidentally ingested.

If you see any adverse reactions, itching or rashes, discontinue use of the product.  If there are any severe allergic reactions to any pesticide such as vomiting, trouble breathing, hives, or diarrhea, call poison control immediately or the pet-poison hotline.

Note also that not all oils that are safe for dogs are equally safe for cats. Some plants and oils that repel insects and are safe for most humans and pets: lavender, cedar wood oil, eucalyptus oil (only professionally diluted oil not the plant), chamomile, frankincense, oregano, marjoram, rosemary and thyme.

Here are a few links to high quality, pet friendly insect repelling brands.  All are completely natural and chemical free.

 

Flea Free Bugs Away Yard And Garden Spray: Get rid of pesky insects in your yard and garden without the use of harmful chemicals.

Nature’s Way Insect Spray: An all natural and non-toxic insect spray that is safe to use on people, children, animals, and surroundings.

Vets Best Natural Flea + Tick: Home, Yard and Kennel sprays available to protect your pets from fleas and ticks

 

Cited References:

www.epa.gov

www.marc.org

http://soiltesting.tamu.org

http://Unep.org

www.biologicaldiversity.org

http://npic.orst.edu

http://ars.usda.gov

http://gmoanswers.com

http://pets.webmd.com

http://greatpetcare.com

 

 

By Dr. Bethany Hsia, Co-founder of CodaPet

Pet euthanasia is the process of ending an animal’s life in a painless and peaceful way.

In this article, we’ll discuss what you will want to know about pet euthanasia. While saying goodbye to a beloved pet is never easy, euthanasia may be the most humane option when a pet is suffering.

When is it Time for Pet Euthanasia?

The decision to euthanize a pet is highly personal, but there are some signs that can help you determine when it’s time. If your pet is suffering from a terminal illness or chronic disease that cannot be medically managed, it may be time to consider euthanasia. Signs of diminished quality of life can include loss of appetite, difficulty breathing, inability to stand or walk, and loss of interest in many activities the pet once enjoyed.

It’s important to consult with your veterinarian before making any decisions about euthanasia. They can help you assess your pet’s condition and provide guidance on what options may be available for your pet’s situation.

The Euthanasia Process

Euthanasia comes from Greek origins meaning “good death” as such the euthanasia process is designed to be as peaceful and painless as possible for the animal.  While the medications used may vary based on species and the pet’s condition, the process involves sedation prior to administering the final medication. Once the sedative is in effect and the pet is resting comfortably the veterinarian will give a large dose of an anesthetic cocktail that will cause the pet to pass away peacefully.

Should you have any questions, ask your veterinarian and they will explain each step in the process.  Depending on where you have the procedure done you may be given the option to stay with your pet throughout the euthanasia process; if you feel you are unable to stay you may step out prior to, or after the sedation has taken effect.

What Happens After?

There are several options for your pet’s aftercare.  Thinking through which option is right for your pet is best done prior to the procedure as some choices require pre-arrangements.  Whether you choose cremation, burial, or other less common options your veterinarian can direct you to information about local services as well as local regulations surrounding burial at home.  If you have chosen cremation your vet will facilitate the carrying out of your wishes after the procedure.

Coping with Grief and Remembering your Pet

Losing a pet can be incredibly difficult, and it’s important to take time to grieve and process emotions. There are many resources available for coping with grief after losing a pet, including support groups, counseling services, and online forums.   One way to work through grief while honoring your pet’s memory is by creating a memorial or tribute in their honor. This could include planting a tree or garden in their memory, creating a photo album or scrapbook of memories, or making a donation in their name to a charity benefiting animals.

Pet Euthanasia should be performed by a licensed veterinarian either at an animal hospital, veterinarian clinic, or at home.  In-home pet euthanasia has become an increasingly popular option as the experience occurs in the comfort and familiarity of your, and your pet’s, home.  Wherever the procedure is done, pet euthanasia is a final gift for the pet who is suffering without a path forward.

 

When Tanya Harter Pierce was putting together the stories for her book, “Outsmart Your Pet’s Cancer“, she contacted us.  Tanya was doing extensive research to find dog and cat owners who had given Essiac Tea to their pets after they were diagnosed with cancer.  She found out about the story of our beloved dog, Moe, and asked if we would share it so that she could include our experience in her book.   Tanya included Moe’s story as one of the chapters in her book, and we are sharing that chapter below.

Tanya has spent many years researching and learning about alternative treatments for those battling cancer.  Prior to writing “Outsmart Your Pet’s Cancer,” Tanya wrote a popular book, “Outsmart Your Cancer: Alternative Non-Toxic Treatments That Work.”  This book focused on cancer in humans.   With her latest book, “Outsmart Your Pet’s Cancer,” Tanya is providing us with a way to help our dogs or cats should they develop cancer.

In the book, you’ll find 22 heartwarming dog and cat recovery cases with photos of each pet.  Plus,  you’ll find how to effectively give this affordable non-toxic herbal remedy to your pet.

You’ll also read a synopsis of Essiac Tea’s intriguing history.  It is a powerful cancer treatment that has been used since the early 1930’s, and it is thought to be able to help with any type of cancer and benign masses as well.  But no one had written a book focusing on using Essiac Tea for pets until now.  We are so thankful to Tanya for providing this valuable and potentially life-saving information to the world.

If interested, you can go to OutsmartYourPetsCancer.com and read about more pet cases, or you can purchase the book or Kindle eBook at Amazon by clicking this link.

 

The chapter about Moe:  excerpt from the book, Outsmart Your Pet’s Cancer:

Moe

 

German Shorthaired Pointer Given 3 Weeks to Live

 

DEENA AND HER HUSBAND, Bob, adopted Moe and his brother, Larry, as puppies. (Moe’s puppy picture is shown above since no acceptable adult picture of him was available.) Originally, they had planned to adopt just Larry from one of Bob’s coworkers who had a litter of German Shorthaired Pointers. Deena explained, “Bob had had a Pointer while growing up and loved the breed, so when the puppies became available, we really wanted to adopt one. Larry was the pup up for adoption and the family planned to keep Moe, who was the runt of the litter. When the family saw how much we loved Larry from the very beginning, they asked us if we would also like to adopt Moe. They already had a couple of dogs, and the lady was pregnant, preparing for a third child. So they were quite busy and realized it might be best for Moe to go to another family. We were elated as we loved both dogs from the outset. Larry was the laid-back one, and Moe was the alpha dog. Although he was much smaller than Larry, he was quite the bully, very bossy, and knew how to get what he wanted. He loved the attention so much that when Larry had a cranial cruciate ligament surgery and limped around due to being in a leg cast, one day we noticed Moe limping in the same manner! We still laugh when we think about it.”

Deena and Bob always fed their dogs high-quality food and treats. In fact, Deena has had an online business for many years called “Healthy Food for Pets” which allows her to sell healthy versions of dog and cat food along with various treats, supplements, and other pet products. So, she is quite an expert.

But good food was not enough to keep one of the dogs from developing cancer. At nine years old, Moe developed a large malignant tumor just underneath the skin at the back of his neck. What was alarming was that the tumor occurred right under the spot where Deena and Bob had applied Moe’s transdermal flea treatment once every month for at least 3 years. It was impossible not to make the connection that this cancer may have been caused by the toxicity of these monthly flea treatments.

Sadly, Moe’s veterinarian said the tumor was inoperable and terminal. At this point, Moe was already in a state of extreme distress. He was having trouble walking normally and had lost control of his bowels. The vet said Moe would probably not live more than 3 weeks more.

Deena and Bob immediately started trying various holistic healing methods on Moe, including acupuncture, medicinal mushrooms, and supplements recommended by a holistic vet they consulted. But nothing was stopping the progression of cancer and Moe went downhill fast. Soon, he was so weak he could not lift his head off the floor most of the time. Bob and Deena reluctantly made an appointment for euthanasia.

However, just before the appointment date, a friend of Deena’s told her about an organic 4-herb version of Essiac Tea from the Herbal Healer Academy in Arizona, with the thought that it might be helpful for Moe. Deena acted fast and had some Essiac from HerbalHealer.com mailed to her overnight. She then brewed it up immediately into tea and stored it in the refrigerator. Deena had been told that twice a day is typically a maintenance dose or for minor issues but that, for cancer, the tea should be administered 3 or 4 times a day. She was also told that it was most effective when taken on an empty stomach. Because Moe’s condition of distress was so advanced, Deena gave him about half an ounce of the cold tea mixed into the same amount of warm water four times a day. (Moe weighed about 65 pounds.) Luckily, Moe liked the taste of the Essiac in warm water and lapped it up from a bowl.

According to Deena, after just the first dose, Moe raised his head a little. She continued to give him the Essiac four times a day and, as each day went by, Moe improved a little bit. So, the appointment for euthanasia was canceled and Deena just kept giving Moe the Essiac Tea. Pretty soon, Moe was running around and enjoying life again! People called him “The Miracle Dog,” and the veterinarian who’d said he wouldn’t live more than 3 weeks was totally amazed.

Moe lived one more year, still taking Essiac until he developed a kidney infection from which he could not recover. He had been battling kidney issues for at least a couple of years. But for that last year, there was no more evidence of cancer!

Fortunately, Moe’s experience of developing cancer and then being cured of it was not just a gift to Moe and Deena, and Bob. It was also a gift to pet owners in general. This was in part because Deena started to sell Essiac Tea from her pet product website and has been helping to save other dogs from cancer ever since—and also in part because it prompted her and Bob to look into how dangerous toxic flea treatments can be. Though they could never be sure whether the conventional transdermal flea treatment they had given to Moe had caused his cancer or not, Deena was horrified to find out that many of these treatments are known to be neurotoxins. So she decided not to use that type of toxic flea treatment on any dog again. Instead, she found a totally non-toxic alternative that works extremely well, which she now sells from her website so that other dogs won’t have to be subjected to a toxic treatment that might cause them to develop cancer or some other health problem.

The non-toxic product Deena sells is called “Flea-Free,” and is a liquid supplement that combines vinegar, ginger, garlic, and lemon juice to repel fleas. Pet owners put just a teaspoon or two into their dog’s food and/or water on a daily basis.   According to Deena, the ingredients in Flea-Free build a barrier around a particular protein in the animal’s body that fleas need to ingest to survive. But it does not interfere with the dog’s own use of that particular protein. It just interferes with the fleas’ use of it. Deena says it takes from 3 days to 3 weeks for this barrier to build up enough throughout the dog’s body to effectively stop a flea infestation. To read more about Flea-Free and other healthy pet products, go to HealthyFoodForPets.com.

Thanks to Essiac Tea, Deena and Bob were able to watch Moe have a miraculous recovery from cancer.  And, thanks to Moe, more pet owners will find out about Essiac and other healthy non-toxic products.

---

 

We all know how challenging it is to train our little paw friends to become good doggies.  However, when training your puppy, it must be done at the right age and with the right things.

Toys of all sorts may sound great, but food is the primary motivating factor when training a puppy.

That is why reward-based training with treats is a proven technique in obedience training.  As much as it is effective, you should use it knowing its limitations.

Overindulging in treats could cause more harm than good, which is why you need to be knowledgeable about using treats when training puppies.

Read, The Ultimate Guide to Training Your Puppy with Feeding Treats before using this technique next time.

 

Using Treats Properly

Using treats properly is essential to have a positive training experience. If done incorrectly, it could lead to some drastic results that could cause you more trouble than intended.

Therefore, keep the following in mind when training your puppy with feeding treats.

 

Use Small Treats

Small treats are essential to keep the training sessions going. Even if you have a large dog, small dog treats are enough to keep them motivated during training.

Some of the commercial treats that you have may be large. You can cut them into small pieces and give them to your puppy.

Keep the treats cut and ready before training. Don’t feel guilty for depriving your puppy of these treats by giving them small potions. They will be more than happy with what they get.

Smaller treats also mean that you won’t overdo it with your dog, which can lead to weight gain. Eating a handful of small treats means your puppy only consumes a few calories. Also, it won’t get your puppy full before the training session is over.

Another thing is to give your puppy treats that it can eat quickly. The sooner your puppy eats the treat, the faster your training session will be, as you can move on to the next repetition right away.

Your puppy will also be motivated and move on with training, awaiting the next time it is supposed to be rewarded.

If your puppy spends more time chewing on the treat, you’ll have to extend the training session duration. Lengthy sessions can make your puppy lose focus on training.

It’s vital to ensure that the treats are soft so your puppy can chew them fast.

Soft treats topped with bacon or cheese are absolute favorites of many puppies, especially because they are also smelly. The smell makes it more tempting for puppies.

 

Reward A Submissive State

You reward your puppy for behaving well and being obedient during training. So, you should not reward hyperactive behavior. Wait until your puppy has reached a calm state before rewarding it.

Food treats reward puppies and motivate them to be obedient and do well in training sessions.

Naturally, meaty treats are the perfect reward for puppies older than four months. Break the treat into small pieces before giving it to your dog.

Remember that treats should not exceed 10% of your puppy’s daily calorie requirement.

Not all dogs may be motivated by food treats. There could be some puppies who love to have their favorite toy.

Ensure you understand your puppy before using food treats as rewards. If, by any chance, it doesn’t seem to be motivated by it, try to use something else for positive reinforcement.

 

Never Bribe Your Puppy

You should never bribe your puppy to get things done, especially during training. The purpose of giving your puppy treats is to get it motivated for training.

Once it gets the hang of training, you should slowly let go of rewarding it each time it responds to the command.

This way, it wouldn’t expect treats every time it does well and will gradually get used to it. Instead, you can reward it with praise or pat it to let it know that you appreciate it.

 

Remove Distractions  from Surroundings

Your puppy could get easily distracted from its surroundings. Do you find getting your puppy’s attention towards the treat difficult?

The reason could be the noise of cars whirring or children playing in the surroundings. Take your dog to a place that doesn’t have distractions so that it will be focused on training and getting the treat.

 

Training Tips

When training your puppy, try to keep training sessions as short as possible. Puppies have a very short attention span and will quickly lose focus. So, avoid dragging sessions for an extended duration. It will make training enjoyable for both parties.

Also, choose a time when your puppy is alert and not hyperactive or too excited. If not, your puppy will struggle to concentrate during training.

If your puppy is new to training, start with the basic commands as follows:

• Sit
• Stay
• Down
• Drop

 

Reasons To Use Treats For Training

 

Treats for training have shown very good results in dog training sessions. Here are the reasons why you should use treats for training your puppy.

• It gives your puppy something to look forward to.
• It helps your puppy to adjust and stop being distracted when training in an unfamiliar environment.
• It helps achieve positive results in training without making your puppy dependent on treats alone.
• It boosts your puppy’s nutritional requirements.

Avoid Making Your Dog Fat

One thing to remember is that you shouldn’t overdo the treats while training. Too many treats could make your puppy gain weight and lead to many more complications.

Treats should not take up more than 10% of your dog’s daily calorie requirement. With that in mind, reward your puppy in other ways. It could be by praising it with phrases like ‘good boy.’

A pat on the back followed by praise will also motivate your puppy. Some people also use toys as treats instead of solely relying on food to keep their puppy motivated.

Some devices monitor your puppy’s health, fitness, and activity levels. If you doubt that you’ve gone above the limit with treats, you can always use these devices to check the status of your puppy’s health.

Read more to learn about these devices and how you can help your puppy live a healthy and active life.

 

Final Thoughts

Rewarding your puppy with feeding treats is one of the best ways to motivate it during training sessions.

Food is the most powerful motivator, at least in the case of most dogs. However, it should be done properly to reap its benefits.

Going over the top with feeding treats and making your puppy rely on them will show little results as far as training is concerned.

Use this as a guide to reward your puppy with food treats and help it have an enjoyable time training.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Should You Train A Puppy With Feeding Treats?

You should use feeding treats to train a puppy because they will motivate your puppy during training sessions.

 

When Should You Start Training A Puppy With Feeding Treats?

The best time to start giving your puppy feeding treats is when it is two months old.

 

Can You Give Your Puppy Treats Every Day?

You can give your puppy treats daily as long as it doesn’t take up more than 10% of its daily calorie intake.