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Navigating Dog Treats: A Professional Trainer's Guide to Safety and Health
Sue Battel, Certified Behavioral Trainer
As a professional dog trainer with over 40 years of experience, I've dedicated my life to understanding and supporting the unique needs of our canine companions. One crucial aspect of responsible dog ownership is ensuring their health and safety, which extends beyond training. Today, we'll delve into the often-overlooked topic of dog treats, exploring what's safe and what to avoid.
The Dangers of Common Treats:
Many popular dog treats carry hidden risks.
- Rawhide: While seemingly harmless, rawhide can cause digestive blockages and even internal injuries. I've witnessed firsthand the distress caused by dogs vomiting up large, undigested chunks of rawhide.
- Real Bones: Never underestimate the danger of real bones. They can splinter, causing internal injuries and potentially life-threatening situations. I recall a terrifying experience with my German Shepherd who suffered severe rectal bleeding after consuming a bone.
- Processed Treats: Many processed treats, like bully sticks (which are essentially processed bull penises), contain excessive amounts of preservatives and can pose choking hazards.
Prioritizing Safety and Health:
Based on my extensive research and personal experience, I prioritize the following guidelines when choosing treats for my dogs:
- Avoidance of Unsafe Options: I strictly avoid rawhide, real bones, bully sticks, deer antlers, pig ears, cow hooves, and any raw or freeze-dried meats.
- Focus on High-Quality Dog Food: I believe in feeding my dogs a nutritionally balanced commercial dog food.
- Research-Based Treat Selection: When choosing treats, I conduct thorough research to ensure they are free of harmful ingredients and are appropriate for my dogs' specific needs.
Why I Avoid Raw Diets:
While the raw food diet trend suggests mimicking a wolf's natural diet, it's crucial to remember that dogs are not wolves. Domestication has significantly altered their digestive systems.
- Bacterial Risks: Raw meat carries a high risk of bacterial contamination, posing a danger not only to your dog but also to you and your family.
- Lifespan Disparity: Wolves have a significantly shorter lifespan than domesticated dogs. Feeding a raw diet may not be conducive to the long and healthy life we strive for our canine companions.
Safe and Healthy Alternatives:
I recommend exploring the following safe and healthy treat options:
- High-Quality Commercial Treats: Look for treats made with natural ingredients and free of artificial preservatives and colors.
- Dura-Chew Nylabones: These chew toys provide a safe and satisfying outlet for your dog's chewing instincts.
Remember: Every dog is unique. What works for one dog may not be suitable for another. Always prioritize your dog's individual needs and consult with your veterinarian for personalized advice.
By making informed choices about your dog's treats, you can contribute to their overall health and well-being. Remember, responsible dog ownership goes beyond training; it encompasses all aspects of your dog's care.
I hope this information proves helpful. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions or would like to discuss specific concerns about your dog's diet and treats.
Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and should not be considered veterinary advice. Always consult with a qualified veterinarian for any questions or concerns regarding your dog's health.
Share the Learning:
Traveling with your dog should be a fun and enjoyable experience for both of you. But before you hit the road, let's talk safety. I've seen firsthand the dangers of unsecured dogs in cars. It's heartbreaking to see the injuries that can happen during an accident when dogs aren't properly restrained. Imagine this: a sudden stop, a sharp turn, or even a minor fender bender. An unrestrained dog becomes a projectile, slamming into the dashboard, windshield, or even being ejected from the vehicle. The consequences can be devastating – serious injuries, broken bones, or even worse. We wouldn't let our children ride without seatbelts, so why would we do that to our dogs? They deserve the same level of safety and protection. For smaller dogs, a carrier or a designated seatbelt harness is ideal. These provide a secure and comfortable space for them to travel. Larger dogs should always be restrained with a properly fitted harness and seatbelt. Never use a collar for restraint, as it can cause serious neck injuries in an accident. The force of an impact can easily cause the collar to snap the dog's neck. And please, keep your dog's head inside the vehicle. Not only does it protect them from debris and wind, but it also minimizes the risk of neck injuries during an accident. Wind can cause eye injuries, and debris can strike their eyes or face. Keeping their head inside the vehicle also helps to prevent them from being distracted or frightened by passing vehicles or other stimuli. Let's make car rides safe and enjoyable for our canine companions. By taking the necessary precautions, we can ensure that our dogs arrive at their destination happy and healthy. By prioritizing their safety, we're showing them that we care and that their well-being is our top priority.
I've been training dogs for over 40 years, and one thing has always been clear: positive reinforcement is the most effective and humane way to teach your dog. It's about building a strong, trusting relationship, not about domination or fear. I've witnessed the transformative power of positive reinforcement firsthand. It's the foundation of my approach, and I believe it's the most effective and humane way to train any dog. This method focuses on building a strong, trusting relationship with your canine companion, fostering a bond based on mutual respect and understanding. Why Positive Reinforcement Works Unlike fear-based training methods that rely on intimidation and punishment (such as shock collars), positive reinforcement leverages rewards to encourage desired behaviors. This creates a positive learning experience for your dog, making training enjoyable and rewarding for both of you. When you reward your dog for good behavior, you're telling them, "Hey, that's exactly what I was looking for!" This creates a positive association with training, making them more eager to learn and please you. Here are some of the benefits of using positive reinforcement: Builds Confidence: When dogs succeed, they feel good about themselves and their confidence soars . This boosts their confidence and makes them more receptive to learning new things. Strengthens Your Bond: Rewarding good behavior strengthens the bond between you and your dog. By showing kindness, patience, and unwavering support, you build trust and create a deep connection with your dog. Reduces Stress: Yelling and punishment can create fear, anxiety, and even aggression in dogs. Positive reinforcement creates a calm and positive learning environment that's enjoyable for both of you. Rewards, Not Punishment: By focusing on rewarding good behavior, we create a positive association with training. Your dog learns to associate training with pleasant experiences, making them eager to learn and please you. Saying "No" to Harsh Methods I am deeply troubled by the continued use of harsh training methods like shock collars. I've seen firsthand the damage that these methods can do. These devices inflict physical pain and cause immense emotional distress, leaving lasting negative impacts on a dog’s well-being. It's crucial to remember that our dogs are sentient beings with feelings and emotions, not machines to be controlled. My Commitment to Fear-Free Training I am dedicated to providing I believe every dog deserves a happy, healthy, and fulfilling life lived in harmony with their human family. I believe every dog deserves a happy, healthy, and fulfilling life lived in harmony with their human family. I focus on building a strong bond based on trust, respect, and mutual understanding.
We've all seen those heartbreaking posts online: "Lost dog! Please help!" or "Dog hit by car!" These tragic events are a stark reminder of the importance of proper dog training. While accidents can happen, a well-trained dog is far less likely to run away, get hit by a car, or end up in a shelter. Why Train Your Dog? As a professional dog trainer with over 40 years of experience, I believe that training is not just about teaching your dog to sit and stay. It's about building a strong bond and a clear communication system between you and your dog. This bond allows you to guide your dog, even in the most distracting situations. The Dangers of Off-Leash Training I often see trainers promoting "off-leash training" methods. While it's tempting to imagine your dog freely roaming without a leash, the reality is that these methods often rely on fear-based techniques, such as shock collars. These methods can create anxiety and fear in your dog, and they do not guarantee that your dog will always stay close to you. Leash Training: The Safe and Responsible Choice In my practice, I focus on positive reinforcement training. This method builds a strong bond between you and your dog based on trust and reward. We work together to teach your dog the commands they need to be safe and happy, both on and off the leash. Here's why I believe leash training is the best choice for you and your dog: Safety First: Leash training prioritizes your dog's safety. It allows you to keep your dog under control in all situations, preventing them from running into traffic, chasing wildlife, or encountering other dogs that may not be friendly. Legal Compliance: In most areas, leash laws are in place for a reason. Leashing your dog is not only the responsible thing to do but also the legal requirement. Respect for Others: Even the most well-trained dog can be unpredictable. Leashing your dog shows respect for other dog owners, pedestrians, and wildlife. Building a Strong Bond: Leash training provides ample opportunities for you to interact with your dog and strengthen your bond. Walking together allows for valuable bonding time and reinforces your communication. Fear-Free Training: Building Confidence and Trust I believe in fear-free training methods that prioritize your dog's emotional well-being. My goal is to create a positive and enjoyable training experience for both you and your dog. We work at your dog's pace, focusing on building confidence and trust. A Lifetime of Love and Connection By choosing to leash train your dog, you are making a commitment to their safety and well-being. You are also investing in a lifetime of love and connection with your furry companion. Remember: Training is an ongoing process . It's about building a strong foundation of communication and trust that will last a lifetime. If you're looking for a professional dog trainer who prioritizes positive reinforcement and fear-free training, please don't hesitate to contact me. Let's work together to build a strong bond with your dog and create a lifetime of happy memories.