FAQ: Treats for dogs

Fatty food is one of the commonly mentioned risks for dogs that have had pancreatitis or are prone to it. For such dogs choose lean treats and discuss amounts with a vet.

Raw or insufficiently processed meat can carry bacteria such as salmonella, which are also dangerous to people. Wash your hands after handling such treats and keep the dog's bowls clean.

Yes, eating a lot of bone can make stools hard, white and crumbly and make it hard for the dog to pass them. If the dog strains in pain, has not passed stool for more than a day or is vomiting, see a vet.

In most cases a pregnant dog can have ordinary treats in moderation, but her diet is especially important at this time. Consult a vet so the overall diet meets her increased needs.

Begging is often learned when the dog gets a treat for it. Give treats only for calm or requested behaviour, ignore begging and agree that all family members follow the same rules.

The dog may be full, nervous in a new place, or dislike a particular flavour or texture. If it also refuses its normal food, seems lethargic or has a sore mouth, see a vet.

Burying is instinctive – the dog ‘saves’ food for later, especially when it gets more than it wants at the time. It is usually harmless but may mean you are giving too many treats.

Guarding a chew is common, so it is not punished; instead, give the dog a quiet place to chew and teach it to trade – the chew is swapped for another treat. If the dog bites or the behaviour worsens, contact a trainer or behaviour specialist.

Give each dog its own chew and let them chew in different spots or rooms to avoid conflict. Do not let one dog take another's chew, and collect leftovers when chewing is over.

Hold the treat in a closed fist and open your hand only when the dog stops nipping or licks calmly. Repeat in short sessions until the dog understands it only gets the treat by taking it gently.

Yes, under adult supervision it can help a child and a dog bond. Small children find it easier to offer the treat on an open palm or put it on the floor, and the dog should have learned to take treats gently.

If the dog gets a treat while barking, it learns that barking brings a reward and barks even more. It is better to reward a moment of quiet, or ask for a different behaviour and reward that.

Give a small treat right after the puppy has done its business outside or in the designated spot, while still there. If you are a few seconds late, it may no longer link the reward to what it did.

For recall, use the tastiest treat that the dog does not get on other occasions, such as soft meat or a piece of cheese. This makes coming back to the owner more valuable to the dog than distractions around it.

The click marks the exact moment of the desired behaviour, and the dog then immediately gets a small treat. At first every click is followed by a treat so that the sound gains meaning for the dog.

Toss treats or give a chew inside the crate so the dog associates it with something pleasant, and gradually increase the time spent there. Do not push the dog in – let it enter on its own.

A long-lasting stuffed toy or a safe chew can help a dog spend the first minutes alone more calmly. If the dog howls, destroys things or barks non-stop when alone, it may have separation anxiety worth discussing with a specialist.

Give a treat for each short, calm moment – touching a paw, trimming one nail or a few brush strokes. A lick mat with paste during the procedure helps the dog relax.

Yes, treats help a dog link the clinic with a nicer experience, especially while waiting or during simple check-ups. Before procedures that require fasting, such as anaesthesia, do not give treats and follow the vet's instructions.

A treat given when the puppy sees a new person or another dog or hears an unusual sound helps it link these things with a pleasant feeling. It is important that the puppy is not too frightened at that moment.