Do you wonder what are the best chews for a puppy, or how many treats are good for them?
Read on and let’s see if they are a treat or a necessity.
Every dog is an individual
Every dog is an individual and will tolerate different amount of chews and treats.
Also each puppy will have different needs. Some need more chews to be calm and busy, some need more treats for concentration.
Also this will depend on what you are trying to do or teach them at the particular time.
Experiment and remember their needs will change as they grow, training is needed throughout their life, but also consider they will start teething from 4 months old, and many have a teenage rebellious stage.
We believe the way to keep your dog engaged is through playing games with them, check out this great blog from Freddie and Friends trainer, Michelle here.
My puppy experience
I had a little puppy last year, and she was adorable but the usual hyper puppy, and into everything, I felt I needed eyes in the back of my head!!!
So she learnt to be calm, settle and generally sit still through chews and treats.
When Rebel was young, she had 3-4 chews a day plus treats, now for some this sounds alot.
But she was an active pup, so calories were not an issue.
But if you are worried or reading this thinking about an older dog, then reduce the daily food allowance, to allow for these, I believe daily allowances should include everything.
I do not see them as “extras” but an essential part of her diet, daily training and life.
And by using healthier chews and treats, this helps to keep her calm, many of the regular shop brought brightly coloured treats are ladened with colourings, e-numbers and chemicals which can undo your good intentions.
Benefits of chewing
Chewing can relieve stress and anxiety, when you come home from work to find their bed has exploded all over the living room, it’s obvious your dog has been enjoying some reckless chewing. The telltale cause? Stress and boredom!
Puppies will chew to relieve stress, even if it means turning on your home decor. Providing appropriate chews, in addition to adequate exercise and mind games, of course, can help lessen anxiety and give your dog something on which to focus their attention.
Unsure which chews to try first try our puppy chew box here, this can be tailored to your puppy just tell us in the instructions box at checkout if there is anything you particularly want included or excluded.
We have lots of chews for different size puppies, from chicken feet and duck necks which are both high in glucosamine that is great for growing bones for smaller pups, to rabbit ears and pork rolls to medium puppies and larger chews like ostrich wings for those big pups.
What treats to choose?
Just as we like different treats, your puppy may favour different treats than you expect, or to the other puppies you know.
All our treats are available in small portions so you can try out a variety or why not try our training treat bundle here.
Want grain-free, no problem we have a huge range of grain-free treats for your pupp and even a grain-free training bundle.
**Top Tip** Don’t overuse the same treat, as anything can get boring. Also, mix up low-value rewards like biscuits for easier tasks, and higher value treats for super behaviour, my Rebel’s favourite high value is the chicken hearts, these are saved for special occasions, like recall sessions or new training.
How many treats a day is good for a puppy?
Do you see them as a treat or as an essential part of learning?
I think they are essential, and I believe there is no maximum as such, as if it is reinforcing the behaviour you want, this is a life-time bonus.
So each dog will need an different amount each day depending on what is gong on, but would you work for free?
Need help choosing, please get in touch for a chat.
