5 Fun Ways to Give Your Dog a Treat

There's nothing quite like loving a dog. No matter what kind of day you've had, if you're greeted at the door by a wagging tail and a wet nose, you're sure to smile. The special bond between you and your dog is one of the greatest parts of your life, and you want to do everything you can to make their days as happy as they make yours.

Giving treats to your dog is an excellent way to show him or her how much you care. Not only that, but treating your dog helps to motivate him or her to learn new tricks and behaviors, and acts as positive reinforcement when you are working on training skills such as leash manners, obedience, and potty training.

By giving your dog frequent treats, you help solidify your bond and reassure them that they are doing a great job. Instead of punitive training methods like choke collars, professional dog trainers now almost exclusively rely on a positive, reward-based method, and you can too. When your dog correctly sits, goes potty, or lies down on command, a treat makes a connection in their brain between good behavior and a delicious reward. A little incentive here and there can go a long way toward helping your furry friend become a well-trained, joyful companion.

Here are a few fun, innovative ways to treat your dog, so that he or she always has a surprise to look forward to.

Hide and Seek

Dogs are inquisitive, curious animals by nature, and they love to use their instincts, particularly their keen sense of smell, to hunt for a delicious, well-hidden treat. Many pet stores and online retailers sell "hide-a-treat" toys, which are great for keeping dogs interested and engaged, sometimes for hours. These little puzzles with a sweet reward at the end are perfect for keeping your four-legged pal entertained while you are away from home.

Freeze!

This method is perfect for a hot summer day, or anytime you can't be with your pup for several hours. Freezing treats can keep your dog busy and happy for an extended period and helps them savor their tasty prize rather than just wolfing it down. Try freezing peanut butter in a hollow dog toy, like a Kong, before giving it to your dog. As an added bonus, frozen treats keep your pup cool in the summer months and keep teething puppies from chewing on shoes and furniture.

Now You See It...

Though dogs have a demonstrated ability for object permanence, it isn't as developed in them as it is in humans. That means that simply by covering a treat with a blanket or washcloth, you're performing a dazzling magic trick your dog can't quite figure out right away. Try putting a small treat in front of your dog, then quickly covering it up. It's entertaining to see your dog try to figure out where it went, and fun for them when they make it reappear.

Scavenger Hunt

Just like an Easter egg hunt, you can place several treats around your home and then let your dog sniff his or her way to finding them all. This game is great for helping your dog get in touch with their natural instincts while getting them up and moving around. If your dog is something of a couch potato or is aging and slowing down, a treat scavenger hunt is a fun way to get them up for a little light exercise. Since multiple treats are involved, choose small, healthy treats made from natural ingredients so your pup doesn't overindulge.

Trick or Treat

The most classic method of treating your dog is having him or her perform a trick first to earn a reward. This is still one of the most fun ways for both of you to enjoy treat time. Use healthy, beneficial treats, like our hemp treats for dogs, to teach your best buddy to sit, shake hands, roll over, or even play dead. Learning new tricks stimulates your dog's brain and keeps him or her engaged, which can lead to a happier, healthier life.

The most important thing to remember about giving your dog a treat is that it's all about love. Your dog loves treats, but their real joy comes from spending time with their favorite person in the world: you. Ready to stock up? Browse our organic hemp dog treats.