[aznVampire]

Is there anything else I can use to train my puppy besides hot dogs, cheese, or meat?
Like any medium-value treats that I can find in the fridge/pantry? I've tried apples but he doesn't seem too interested.

Do you guys have any other treat ideas? Anything unusual that has worked for you and your dog?

 

[trainingjunkie]

I use cheese balls (puffs) for a lot of things. I know people who swear by bananas and cheerios.

 

[Finkie_Mom]

Popcorn, Cheerios and other cereals, small pieces of bread, licks of peanut butter, and even green beans have worked for my guys.

 

[kafkabeetle]

I once had a bunch of people come over unexpectedly, and I didn't have any treats on hand to keep Sydney distracted so she would stop bugging them. I ended up grabbing a slice of bread and feeding tiny bits to her in exchange for staying at my side. Worked pretty well, lol.

 

[momtolabs]

I make my own treats most the time and I sometimes just through stuff together, bake it and my dogs seem to enjoy it but if I dont have any made, anything. Sometimes even cat food,lol. But the like bread also.

 

[bgmacaw]

For our Chi I use real bacon bits, squeeze cheez or shredded cheese. I've also used bits of bread or pastry for treats but these aren't as tempting for her. Potato chips are also good and cheese puffs are also popular. The main thing I worry about with using too much of these is the high salt/sugar content.

Another thing I use are larger dog treats cut up into smaller, Chi sized, bits. Small bites also work for larger dogs, there's no need to give huge treats like you'll find in most pre-packaged training treats.

 

[Nuclear_Glitter]

I cut hots dogs up into tiny pieces and train with them. You can use just about anything you want though so long as your dog doesn't have allergies and it's not toxic to them. (You can google things that are toxic to dogs)

Some common and not so common things to NOT use: grapes, raisins, chocolate, candy, alcohol, coffee, onion, and so on. There's quite a few places that have everything to NOT give your dog.

 

[hanksimon]

Kibble. When it is supper time, that is an excellent time to train, and you can use one piece of kibble for a treat.

 

[trainingjunkie]

There's an expert to consult on this matter: Your dog. I have a dog that will work for kibble and two that won't.

 

[aznVampire]

Thanks for all the ideas. I'll definitely start trying some to see what he likes.

And he will work for kibble, but I'm trying to vary the treats so he doesn't lose interest.

 

[KBLover]

Is there anything else I can use to train my puppy besides hot dogs, cheese, or meat?
Like any medium-value treats that I can find in the fridge/pantry? I've tried apples but he doesn't seem too interested.

Do you guys have any other treat ideas? Anything unusual that has worked for you and your dog?

Bread, crackers, buttered rice, wheat chex, kashi cinnamon shredded wheat, waffles, pancakes, french fries, danish, doughnuts, cake, coffee/tea, (I let him lick a little off my finger each success), buttered pasta (especially with some asiago shredded cheese on it)

Couldn't tell you if they are medium/high/low value - I just go by what he likes Probably all high-value lol

Kibble? Wally had no interest for me (he doesn't like it dry in the bowl either - used to wetter/rehydrated food).

 

[Nuclear_Glitter]

I would be extremely careful with coffee and tea:

Caffeine in large enough quantities can be fatal for a dog. And, there is no antidote. Symptoms of caffeine poisoning include restlessness, rapid breathing, heart palpitations, muscle tremors, fits, and bleeding. In addition to tea and coffee - including beans and grounds -- caffeine can be found in cocoa, chocolate, colas, and stimulant drinks such as Red Bull. It's also in some cold medicines and pain killers.

Bread, crackers, buttered rice, wheat chex, kashi cinnamon shredded wheat, waffles, pancakes, french fries, danish, doughnuts, cake, coffee/tea, (I let him lick a little off my finger each success), buttered pasta (especially with some asiago shredded cheese on it)

Couldn't tell you if they are medium/high/low value - I just go by what he likes Probably all high-value lol

Kibble? Wally had no interest for me (he doesn't like it dry in the bowl either - used to wetter/rehydrated food).

 

[Greater Swiss]

I use peanut butter, cheese chunks, popcorn, VERY occasionally a potato chip or two, carrot.
The best low/medium value treats have been the peanut butter treats I made for her (whole wheat and white flour, peanut butter, water and a tiny bit of oil), I also made her "meat cookies" using the same recipe except with ground meat instead of pb, and (onion free) beef broth instead of water (those went over REALLY good).

Super high value treat I've found is chicken hearts, I bought some, laid them on a tray in the freezer, once frozen bagged them together then pull a couple out as needed. Not necessarily a normal around the house thing, but definitely something to start having around.

 

[petpeeve]

I would be extremely careful with coffee and tea:

Years ago, I had the opportunity to read through a very detailed report on the hazardous effects of caffeine. Wasn't pretty, that's for sure. Suffice to say, shortly after reading that I quit drinking coffee altogether. In Wally's case, I don't think a few "molecules" ingested off the end of a finger will cause too much concern, but still wise to be aware.


Funny story .. I used to have a dog who would occassionally be treated to the last ounce or two left at the bottom of my take-out coffee. Funny because he'd take the plastic lid off by gripping it in his teeth, and proceed to throw it a great distance that would seriously rival the olympic discus event. Really it was a hoot to see, and always left any spectators utterly amazed by this "incredible feat of canine athleticism" lol. Anyways he happened to live a long and healthy life despite the odd jolt.

Regardless, caffeine is definitely not anything I would advocate these days. For anyone, be it man woman or beast.

 

[MalusLupus]

shadow loves frozen carrots as a treat! (he is teething so it may be soothing for him) mind you, his dry dog food works just as well whilst we've been training him lol but we mix it up. Hot dogs, cheese, frozen carrots, litttle training treats from [email protected] without any artificial colours, and I'll often buy some of those tesco cooked meats, the beef ones are ideal for him! low cals no weird chemicals in just beef and water and a nice change!

occasionally he'll get a 1/2 bowl of milk and some scrambled eggs he's very food motivated so anything is good as a reward or treat for him really!

 

[KBLover]

I would be extremely careful with coffee and tea:

Caffeine in large enough quantities can be fatal for a dog. And, there is no antidote. Symptoms of caffeine poisoning include restlessness, rapid breathing, heart palpitations, muscle tremors, fits, and bleeding. In addition to tea and coffee - including beans and grounds -- caffeine can be found in cocoa, chocolate, colas, and stimulant drinks such as Red Bull. It's also in some cold medicines and pain killers.

Years ago, I had the opportunity to read through a very detailed report on the hazardous effects of caffeine. Wasn't pretty, that's for sure. Suffice to say, shortly after reading that I quit drinking coffee altogether. In Wally's case, I don't think a few "molecules" ingested off the end of a finger will cause too much concern, but still wise to be aware.

Thanks for the information. I'll have to put it on his list of "banned substances", stuff that can harm him and/or messes up his digestive system. I wouldn't think I'm giving him a 'large' amount (he doesn't get a whole latte, or mug of tea, never gets any of a mocha), but better safe than sorry. After all, one grape or a bite of a grape jelly sandwich won't kill him (mom actually accidentally did that once, he had no ill effects), but I don't give him grape stuff at all, so may as well extend that logic to here.

I will say I see no ill effects (doesn't pee more/no behavior changes/etc) and any restlessness is burned off from the actual devious problem I've presented him with LOL, so he still get his "1 hour learning nap" afterwords and is no more hyper and silly than usual after the 'learning nap'.

Thanks again for bringing this up.

 

[hanksimon]

I wasn't going to speak up... but you said grapes.... caffeine, theobromine, and chocolate are toxic based on weight and amount given... a medium sized dog can handle a Hershey's kiss or a tablespoon of coffee/tea, altho it may not be a good habit... a taste won't hurt.

However, grapes and raisins are a different matter. The reason that these are toxic is not yet understood, altho the results have been documented. And, I don't know if all dogs are susceptible. However, a Lab ate 3 - 5 grapes or raisins, and the Vet wasn't able to save him, even with heroic efforts. I think there have been a few dogs that were documented, and I don't recall what other breeds.

I'm also very aware that many of us have fed out pets these and other toxic things with no ill effects. Discuss it with your Vet (I feed my dog an occasional almond or macadamia), but be wary of grapes and raisins...

 

[stanwatt]

I think it is extremely helpful to treat like these its an interesting information which you can share over here that all things are really very helpful which is based on weight and also messes up a digestive system that is one of the good habit which is really one of the good treatment.

 

[zhaor]

I don't give my dog a lot of dedicated treats. He pretty much just gets the occasional scraps when i eat and prepare food.

I've given him hot dogs, bread, peanut butter, milk, cheese, hard boiled eggs, ham, sushi, and various forms of cooked meat, cartilage, and organs.

He's not a fan of raw veggies and fruits.

The only "toxic" substances I've given my dog are foods that have been cooked with some garlic and some avocados from sushi that I make for him.

He particularly loves California rolls. It's pretty much his second favorite next to rotisserie chickens.