[Rosealima]

Clicker training here and want a tiny bit of cheese to use as high-value reward.
Only want 100% ched cheese, chopped into tiny bits, so no recipes, please.
How to best prepare/transport this?
Can I dry them on the counter or something? My past experience was oven-dried hot-dogs, but not for this dog. Cheese only. Seems messy though...any suggestions?
Thank you!

 

[Kathyy]

I use string cheese and pinch off tiny bits as treats. Not as greasy, doesn't crumble and easier to slice than some cheeses if you need flat pieces that are easier to see in grass or something. I get it in huge packs cheap at Costco and been doing this for a very long time. So easy and all the dogs have loved it.

I think I've air dried cheese before but see above, been a while. How about cheese crisps? Look up recipes for low carb cheese crisps and just do cheese?

 

[LeoRose]

You can dice the cheese to the size you want, then spread it out on a plate or cookie sheet, and pop it in the fridge uncovered overnight. Bag and keep in the fridge, only taking out a handful or so as you need it. If you want to take your training on the road, use a cooler.

I'm lazy and just use the individually wrapped sticks or portions, and just bite or break off bits as needed.

 

[Jen2010]

I've used tiny cheese cubes before and I just keep them in the fridge until I need to use them. Then when I'm done I put the extra back in the fridge.

I would think freezing wouldn't work very well since it'll thaw quickly, then get mushy.

 

[Shell]

Spread cheddar cheese thinly across a microwave safe plate (if it is sharp cheddar, then use a bit of oil, very lightly. Regular cheddar has enough fat to not need oil.) Microwave in 20-30 second doses until the cheese becomes crisp but not burnt. You can shatter it with a tap of a knife but it still has oil and moisture. Only cook as much as you will use for 2-3 days and keep it in the fridge in a bag or wax paper wrap during that time.

 

[Kathyy]

As I was getting out the usual string cheese I found thawed cheddar cheese, sharp from Costco. Cut as thin as possible and microwaved on a plate until melted. Tested with or without cooking spray, didn't seem to matter much. Currently blotting between paper napkins, will see if it is less crumbly than cheese cubes. I already know I am leaving it in a sheet so I don't fumble bits, hate polluting the training ground with treats. Not fair to the dog. Update after class if I still have a brain.

Update: Horribly greasy. Super easy to feed tiny bits and didn't crumble. Dogs love it but that's no test, these guys eat anything with great enthusiasm. Next time I'll try to make them crispy.

 

[gingerkid]

Do you have a box grater? If so, here's what I found is best for handling cheese. Note that I'm using it for a 10 lb dog, and using a Microplane Box grater which has slightly wider holes than most other graters that I've owned.

grate cheese on the normal grating hole (the one that is 1/4 to 1/2" wide, depending on your grater). Spread the cheese out in a thin layer on a plate or cutting board and put it in the fridge for 1-2 hours until it feels dry to the touch but is still flexible. Still easy to break up, doesn't crumble, not greasy, and doesn't get mushed together, and is totally handleable after several hours at room temperature.

 

[Rosealima]

I use string cheese and pinch off tiny bits as treats. Not as greasy, doesn't crumble and easier to slice than some cheeses if you need flat pieces that are easier to see in grass or something. I get it in huge packs cheap at Costco and been doing this for a very long time. So easy and all the dogs have loved it.

I think I've air dried cheese before but see above, been a while. How about cheese crisps? Look up recipes for low carb cheese crisps and just do cheese?

I've used tiny cheese cubes before and I just keep them in the fridge until I need to use them. Then when I'm done I put the extra back in the fridge.

I would think freezing wouldn't work very well since it'll thaw quickly, then get mushy.

Do you have a box grater? If so, here's what I found is best for handling cheese. Note that I'm using it for a 10 lb dog, and using a Microplane Box grater which has slightly wider holes than most other graters that I've owned.

grate cheese on the normal grating hole (the one that is 1/4 to 1/2" wide, depending on your grater). Spread the cheese out in a thin layer on a plate or cutting board and put it in the fridge for 1-2 hours until it feels dry to the touch but is still flexible. Still easy to break up, doesn't crumble, not greasy, and doesn't get mushed together, and is totally handleable after several hours at room temperature.

Thanks to all & the above resonated the most. Our group is sans microwave, so those options are not possible for our team.