Dogs are incredibly eager learners who love to please their owners. A crucial part of training—whether it’s basic obedience, learning new tricks, or refining existing skills—is the right reward. While treats are a popular choice, chew items offer an especially valuable and versatile way to reward your dog. In this blog post, you’ll learn why chews are so effective, what benefits they offer, and how to integrate them optimally into your training.
Why use chews as a reward?
Chews are not only a tasty treat for your dog, but they also serve several functions that make them an ideal reward:
-
Long-lasting engagement: Unlike small treats that your dog can gulp down in seconds, chews offer longer-lasting engagement. This is especially useful if you want your dog to be calm and content after a training session. The chew serves not only as a reward but also as a way to manage stress.
-
Promoting dental health: While your dog chews on a treat, their teeth are naturally cleaned. This helps to reduce plaque and tartar buildup and massages the gums. Thus, you’re not only doing something for your dog’s mental health but also for their physical well-being.
-
Reinforcing the natural chewing instinct: Dogs have a natural instinct to chew that needs to be satisfied. Chews provide the perfect opportunity to fulfill this instinct. Especially after intensive training sessions, chewing can help your dog relax and unwind.
When and how to use chews as a reward
Chews are ideal as a reward after intensive training sessions or special challenges. Here are some tips on how to effectively use chews in training:
-
After completing a training session: End the training on a positive note by offering your dog a chew. This signals to your dog that they’ve done a good job and gives them the opportunity to relax and enjoy. A great chew for this purpose is the Duck Necks from Dorfzauber.de, which offer a crunchy texture that makes them a special treat.
-
As a reward for particularly difficult tasks: If your dog has successfully mastered a particularly difficult task, you can reward them with a chew. This reinforces the positive association with the task and motivates your dog to continue giving their best. The Rabbit Ears are perfect for such a reward, as they are not only tasty but also low in fat and easy to digest.
-
Between longer training sessions: If you plan longer training sessions, you can give your dog a chew during breaks. This helps them relax and gather new energy for the next training segment. The Chicken Feet are an excellent choice as they are crunchy and rich in natural nutrients that support your dog’s joints.
Which chews are best suited?
Not all chews are the same. It’s important to choose chews that match your dog’s needs and preferences. Here are some popular options from Dorfzauber.de:
-
Horse Lung: The Horse Lung is a light, low-fat chew that is particularly suitable for dogs with allergies or sensitive stomachs. It is tender and easy to chew, making it ideal for rewards during training.
-
Beef Tripe: Beef Tripe is a particularly aromatic chew that dogs love. It is rich in nutrients and supports your dog’s digestive health. Its long chewing time makes it an excellent reward after intensive training sessions.
-
Beef Scalp: Beef Scalp is a particularly tough chew that is suitable for dogs who love to chew intensely. It offers long-lasting engagement and helps keep teeth clean.
Tips for the safe use of chews
Safety should always come first when it comes to chews. Here are some important tips to keep in mind:
-
Supervision: Never leave your dog unattended when they are chewing on a treat. Although it is rare, there is always the risk that your dog could choke or break off a piece that they cannot chew properly.
-
Size of the chew: Choose a chew that is large enough so that your dog cannot swallow it all at once. Chews that are too small can pose a choking hazard.
-
Regular checks: Regularly check the chew for signs of wear. If the item is too small or too chewed up, replace it with a new one to minimize risk.
Conclusion: Chews as valuable rewards
Chews are an excellent way to not only reward your dog but also do something good for their health. They offer long-lasting engagement, promote dental health, and satisfy the natural urge to chew. By incorporating chews into your training, you create a positive and rewarding experience for your dog.
Visit dorfzauber.de and discover our wide selection of natural chews that are perfect for rewarding your loyal companion. Whether after a successful training session or simply as a special treat in between—your dog will love it!
