subject: What Are Some Healthy Dog Treats And How Can I Use Them To Train My Dog [print this page] Using treats as positive reinforcement is an effective way to train dogs to engage in desired behavior. Give too many treats and a dog will run the risk of becoming overweight and even obese. Luckily there are several healthy options that come straight from your kitchen.
Use vegetables as a reward or a snack. Cooked green beans, peas and carrots are favorites. Another low-fat alternative is air popped popcorn, rice cakes, elbow macaroni or any plain pastas. If a high-protein snack is what a dog needs, then a cooked egg white is a good choice. Additional high protein treats include a spoonful of plain yogurt and cottage cheese. These are great substitutes for ice cream!
When training, using treats to reinforce behavior is simple. When your dog performs a behavior that you desire, give them a treat. Treats can be used to lure you dog into a wanted behavior or just as a reward.
Using the dog treats or food as a lure, you can teach your dog how to sit. Simply hold the carrot, rice cake, etc., over the dogs head. The dog will naturally raise its nose up in the air and his bottom should drop to the floor. You can use treats as a lure to teach your dog how to lay down and rollover as well.
Dog treats can be simply used as a reward. When your dog refrains from barking when company comes, or when the dog performs a trick, a piece of egg white or pasta can be given. Treats can also be given when the dog sits quietly while guests are in the house.
Dog treats can be a useful tool when training a dog. For a dogs overall health, treats should be healthy. Many treats can come straight from the kitchen and satisfy a dogs longing for something special to eat.
