This last month he went through something like 7 or 8 pounds of treats. He ate 3 pounds of Zukes Mini Naturals and 3 pounds of hot dogs in training. For non-training rewards he at a pound of mini dog biscuits (Zuke's mini bakes) and what must have been at least half a pound of cheese. Not only is this expensive, but I am also concerned that he get good nutrition.
I do a lot of motivational training with him and I use a lot of small, quick to swallow treats. The Zuke's mini naturals are quick and small enough I can give a lot of rewards during training without overfeeding him. I think the ingredients are healthier than hot dogs but they're expensive $10.80/pound (I could cut up steak for that price). Last month I paid 5.99 a pound but the price is up. Also, my dog prefers hot dogs anyway.
I use hot dogs in training too. They have a lot of fat and a lot of salt. The fat is ok for the dog. His meals are lower fat than they could be. But I don't like to give him so much salt. Otherwise the hot dogs are ideal. They're motivating and I can either cut them up for marker training or just have him gnaw on it from my hand for treat chasing, luring and other methods. Hot dogs are not cheap. I buy a mega pack of huge ones from Costco but they're still several bucks a pound.
I use crunchy biscuits for rewards when I don't need him to go back to work right away. I've used Liver Biscotti and Zuke's mini bakes. I can also put hot dog or cheese in a Kong to slow him down. I can tell he likes the cheese and hotdogs best.
I don't think I over reward him because I am using the treats basically one at a time and for an appropriate purpose. Some people say "nothing in life is free" (or nilif). My dog either does something to merit a treat or I'm using the treats to motivate him and he gets an interuption for work.
What should I use for fast to swallow training treats?
What can I use for rewards at other times?
I do a lot of motivational training with him and I use a lot of small, quick to swallow treats. The Zuke's mini naturals are quick and small enough I can give a lot of rewards during training without overfeeding him. I think the ingredients are healthier than hot dogs but they're expensive $10.80/pound (I could cut up steak for that price). Last month I paid 5.99 a pound but the price is up. Also, my dog prefers hot dogs anyway.
I use hot dogs in training too. They have a lot of fat and a lot of salt. The fat is ok for the dog. His meals are lower fat than they could be. But I don't like to give him so much salt. Otherwise the hot dogs are ideal. They're motivating and I can either cut them up for marker training or just have him gnaw on it from my hand for treat chasing, luring and other methods. Hot dogs are not cheap. I buy a mega pack of huge ones from Costco but they're still several bucks a pound.
I use crunchy biscuits for rewards when I don't need him to go back to work right away. I've used Liver Biscotti and Zuke's mini bakes. I can also put hot dog or cheese in a Kong to slow him down. I can tell he likes the cheese and hotdogs best.
I don't think I over reward him because I am using the treats basically one at a time and for an appropriate purpose. Some people say "nothing in life is free" (or nilif). My dog either does something to merit a treat or I'm using the treats to motivate him and he gets an interuption for work.
What should I use for fast to swallow training treats?
What can I use for rewards at other times?