Usually I use treats for training, but I find myself giving them bite size veggie treats from Petco or Petsmart all the time! Is this bad? They eat about 2.5 meals a day cause they are 6 and 7 months old, but I feed them treats when they are being good, positive reinforcement. How much is too much? I'd say I give them at least 10 bite-size treats a day . Thanks
2006-09-18 17:20:43 · 11 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Dogs
pups are definitely not overweight. vet says they are perfect!! :) thanks for the encouragement!
2006-09-18 17:26:23 · update #1
geesh. I give my puppies treats all the time. "good girls get treats!" Ultimately it depends on thier exercise and weight. My chocolate lab has hip displasia that hasn't bothered her yet - but I make sure she's lowish weight and definitely not over.
2006-09-18 19:37:51 · answer #1 · answered by Tally 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I use some of my dogs food as "training treats". That way she has to work for her supper and I get more training time with her.
I try to let the ribs be my guide-if she starts packing on weight, I cut down a bit.
Another trick is to take the bite size treat and cut it up into several smaller treats. Depending on the size of your dog, most treats are still bigger than necessary to reward.
Also, the type of treat is important. A dry piece of milkbone is not a very big deal, but a crumb of cheese the size of 1/2 my little fingernail....that's HUGE.
2006-09-19 00:39:44 · answer #2 · answered by hoodoowoman 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
My dog will only received his if he is doing something right. Even the simplest thing like offering his paw when told to. However, I think the amount of treat given should not be too much as it will affect their appetite for the normal meal.
For a young puppy ( 7 months old only ), I think the amount of treats you are giving is too much. Think 50% shall be ok.
2006-09-19 01:00:23 · answer #3 · answered by qbee 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'd highly recommend play training for reinforcement over treat training... most service dogs do only play training. I give my dogs either greenies or bully sticks, usually one daily but sometimes more often. I also have various treats for fun like beggin strips, pig ears, pupperoni, and some cheap walmart biscuits that they seem to love. As long as they are a healthy weight I wouldn't worry about over treating just yet...
Treats are good for fun, but if you decide to play train you will see results which last longer and occur quicker ;-) Most dogs respond faster to play training because it stimulates their brain more, it's more 'fun' for them, and they don't get full.
2006-09-19 01:23:25 · answer #4 · answered by tripforyou 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Depends on how good they do in training 2 sessions a day each 10-15 minutes
2006-09-19 00:31:39 · answer #5 · answered by Someone 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Maybe 4 -6 times a day, depending on his behavior...
2006-09-19 00:39:03 · answer #6 · answered by Michael G 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As long as the treats don't lose their "training power" and the dogs aren't over weight, give them all they want.
2006-09-19 00:24:32 · answer #7 · answered by grrl 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Weight and breed have a lot to do with amount of food needed. Checking with your vet would be a great idea!
2006-09-19 00:23:22 · answer #8 · answered by KathieJo 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
dude I have one awesome informative website for ya..which will give u explicit info abt dog trainning.. its www.canineconcepts.co.uk - for all breeders & dog lovers. This website explain how to teach & feed mans best friend. I am sure it will be like helping hand for ya..
2006-09-19 00:35:31 · answer #9 · answered by unknw0n_gh0st 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
dog treats are rewards.........not food.......i think 10 is too many....they will eventually gain weight from them......my grandma use to do the same thing and her 2 dogs looked like cows.......not healthy
2006-09-19 00:47:49 · answer #10 · answered by myyorkies 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋