Nutritious food is the motivation I use to train dogs and puppies at Love Wags A Tail board-and-train. I use white meat chicken, training food I bake myself, or other wholesome foods, including the dog’s own food if it’s motivationally appropriate for the training game at hand.
But there is also a time for treats. A treat is a food I give to dogs and puppies outside of training, which doesn’t require a dog or puppy to do much to obtain, but maybe a sit, most definitely no pawing or lunging, and voila! That’s all. The dog or puppy gets a good food chew to enjoy.
When my own dogs get their daily treat, usually a beef trachea, bully stick, or another type of animal part that dogs love, but humans find unappealing, my board-and-trains also are included in the festivities.
I never offer up a Greenie, Numbz, or similar lab-created “food” because of possible intestinal blockage, plus, it’s not a wholesome food. I also do not use any type of antler chew because of information from veterinarians that antlers pose a threat to teeth and can cause cracks and breakage. Dogs’ and puppies’ teeth can’t compete to the hardness of antlers. When a tooth cracks, it is very painful. Just like for us humans! And tooth damage requires dental work. Your dog and your wallet will face the cost of a doggy tooth extraction or a canine root canal. A dog treat is not worth that gamble or worry, especially when there are so many options available that are much safer.
This is a video of treat time during an adorable Goldendoodle puppy’s board-and-train with us. I gave each of my own dogs adult-sized beef trachea, and the puppy received a Doodle puppy-sized beef trachea that he could manage and enjoy. Choosing size-appropriate treats and chews is another important factor in our care and daily routine. But no one gets left out. Everyone gets a treat in one form or another during doggy treat time at Love Wags A Tail board-and-train.
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To send your dog or puppy to the Love Wags A Tail board-and-train camp for motivational learning with our cast of characters, contact me with your dog training, behavior modification wish list to get started.
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Helen Verte Schwarzmann
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Certified in Training and Counseling
Certified Pet Dog Trainer-Knowledge Assessed
Certified Trick Dog Instructor
AKC STAR Puppy, CGC, and Trick Dog Trainer and Evaluator
Your Board-and-Train Dog Trainer for south and southwest Florida, Coral Springs, Southwest Ranches, Plantation, Fort Lauderdale, Weston, Davie, and Broward, Collier, Lee counties, cities for board and train near me serving 33326, 33327, 33331, 33332
