Overall Best Treats for Puppies
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Most Durable Treats for Puppies
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What Are Treats for Puppies?
Treats for puppies are just what they sound like: dog treats made for puppies. How they differ from regular dog treats varies. Some are simply smaller in size for little mouths, whereas others might help with teething pain or contain ingredients beneficial to canine growth and development.
How to Give Your Puppy Treats
Hold the treat in your fist so that just a little of it is exposed so your dog knows it’s there but can’t get it. It should be right in front of her nose, not a foot in front of it. This will keep your dog from moving forward, which is not what you want when teaching him “sit” or “down.” If she tries to come forward, keep your hand position firm, even moving it toward her nose to keep her in place.
The moment she’s done what you’ve asked of her, let her nibble off a tiny piece of the goody from your fist. If the treat is something that really excites your dog, it will be like having an invisible string tying her nose to your hand, allowing you to guide her into any position you want – power steering for your dog! It also lets you reward him at just the right moment.
Don’t throw the treat. She’ll get up to get it, and you don’t want her to think she can break that sit or down!
Holding the treat in your fist will also discourage grabbing of your fingers. Your hand will get licked and slobbered on, and it will be yucky, but don’t worry. You are washable! If she’s grabby, just enclose the treat tightly in your fist, and say “Easy!” or “Gentle!” and put your hand with the treat behind your back for a moment. Do not give any treat until she takes it gently. She will learn quickly that grabbing won’t get her what she wants.
Some people like to use treats cut into tiny pieces, but others find that having one larger piece takes less dexterity and digging in pockets when timing is of the essence. Using this method, half of a hot dog or one stick of string cheese is enough to get you through a 30-minute or longer lesson. You’ll be amazed at how quickly your dog will understand what you want!
Most treats are suitable for puppies from 8 weeks old (which is the minimum age at which pups should leave their moms), however some treats (particularly larger chews) are recommended from 3 to 4 months of age.
Yes, you can, but only if they're puppy dental chews. Don't feed a puppy adult dental chews.
Treats should never account for more than 10% of your dog's daily calorie intake, since they don't contain the same balance of nutrients as dog food does.
