When it comes to rewarding our dogs, it's easy to fall into the habit of simply handing out treats for nothing more than those irresistible puppy eyes. However, I've found that turning rewards into interactive and enriching experiences not only makes the treats more valuable but also keeps my dogs mentally and physically engaged. With two Great Danes and a smaller dog, I’ve learned the importance of making treats count by incorporating them into fun and creative activities that challenge their minds and strengthen our bond.
By focusing on engaging and stimulating activities, I can ensure that my dogs are not only rewarded but also fulfilled. This approach helps to prevent boredom, curtail unwanted behaviors, and improve their overall well-being. Whether it’s using interactive toys, playing scent games, or teaching new tricks, I’ve found these methods to be much more rewarding for both my dogs and myself than simply handing out treats for nothing. Plus, it's a great way to make those treats last longer and go further. From setting up DIY puzzle feeders to playing hide and seek with treats, there are so many creative ways to keep our dogs entertained while making sure they earn their rewards. The key is to make every treat a part of a fun activity that challenges them both mentally and physically. By doing so, I can keep my dogs happy, healthy, and mentally stimulated, making every treat they get truly worth it. Let’s dive into the 5 ways we can make our dog treats work for us, not the other way around!
1. Engage Their Senses with Scent Games
Scent games are one of the most natural and rewarding ways to engage your dog’s mind. By tapping into their powerful sense of smell, you can create activities that not only entertain but also challenge them to use their instincts. Whether you’re hiding treats around the house or creating a scent trail in your backyard, these games encourage your dog to work for their rewards, making every treat they find feel like a victory. Engaging their sense of smell keeps their minds sharp and provides a fun way to bond with your pet.
Build Confidence Through Scent-Based Problem Solving
Scent games are not only fun but also a fantastic way to boost your dog's confidence. By hiding treats in progressively more challenging locations, you encourage your dog to think critically and develop problem-solving skills. Start with easy-to-find spots and gradually increase the difficulty to keep your dog engaged and motivated.
Enhance the Experience with Dr. Harvey’s Freeze-Dried Treats
When playing scent games, using high-quality, single-ingredient treats like Dr. Harvey’s Freeze-Dried Chicken Hearts, Salmon Bites, or Rabbit Bites can elevate the experience. These treats are perfect for hiding in snuffle mats or scent trails because they smell amazing to dogs (and humans too) ! This not only makes the game more challenging and rewarding for your dog but also ensures they’re getting a healthy snack as a reward.
Some of our favorite Dr. Harvey's treats are the chicken hearts:
2. Make Mealtime a Fun Challenge with Interactive Feeding Toys
Mealtime can be more than just a basic necessity; it can be an opportunity to stimulate your dog’s mind and slow down fast eaters. Interactive feeding toys, such as puzzle feeders or treat-dispensing balls, require your dog to work for their food, turning a routine task into an engaging activity. These toys are not only great for mental stimulation but also help with digestion by encouraging slower eating. Incorporating interactive feeding toys into your dog’s daily routine makes mealtime more exciting and rewarding.
Slow Down Fast Eaters with Puzzle Feeders
For dogs that tend to gobble down their food too quickly, puzzle feeders can be a lifesaver. These interactive toys require your dog to work for their meal, slowing down their eating pace and promoting better digestion. By making mealtime more of a challenge, you help prevent issues like bloating and ensure your dog enjoys every bite.
Here is an example of a puzzle toy that we love to use!
Combine Mental and Physical Stimulation
Interactive feeding toys aren’t just about food—they also provide a great way to keep your dog mentally and physically active. These toys engage your dog’s problem-solving skills as they figure out how to access their food, and the physical effort required adds an extra layer of stimulation. It’s a perfect way to combine nourishment with enrichment, making every meal an opportunity for growth.
Elevate the Experience with Dr. Harvey’s Hydrated Meals
Using Dr. Harvey’s food in a slow feeder can transform your dog’s mealtime into an even more enriching experience. When you hydrate Dr. Harvey’s pre-mixed and home-made meals, they become a more engaging and satisfying option compared to plain kibble. The added moisture and texture make it more challenging for your dog to extract the food from the puzzle feeder, extending their mealtime and adding a new layer of enjoyment to their eating routine.
3. Teach New Tricks as a Rewarding Challenge
Teaching your dog new tricks is a great way to keep their mind engaged while also reinforcing good behavior. Whether you’re working on basic commands like “sit” and “stay” or more advanced tricks like “roll over” and “play dead,” the process of learning is both mentally stimulating and rewarding for your dog. Consistency and positive reinforcement are key, making each successful attempt a reason to celebrate with a well-earned treat. This not only strengthens your bond but also builds your dog’s confidence.
Strengthen Your Bond Through Consistent Training
Teaching your dog new tricks is not just about the commands—it’s also about building a stronger relationship. Regular training sessions create opportunities for positive interaction, reinforcing trust and communication between you and your dog. By consistently working on new tricks, you’re not only challenging your dog’s mind but also deepening your connection, making each training session a rewarding experience for both of you.
Don’t forget, something as simple as watching a new youtube video is also a great way to learn how to teach new tricks!
4. Turn Treat Time into Playtime with Puzzle Toys
Puzzle toys offer a unique way to turn treat time into a fun and mentally challenging experience for your dog. These toys require your dog to solve a puzzle or manipulate the toy in a certain way to access the treats inside. It’s a great way to make those treats last longer while keeping your dog entertained and mentally stimulated. By varying the types of puzzles you use, you can continuously challenge your dog and keep them engaged, making every treat a little more special.
Power Up Puzzle Toys with the Right Treat Choice
Puzzle toys are a fantastic way to make treat time last longer, and pairing them with Dr. Harvey’s all-natural freeze-dried treats can make the experience even better. These treats are made from the highest quality proteins with no artificial additives, ensuring your dog gets a healthy and tasty reward every time they solve a puzzle. Plus, the variety of flavors like chicken, salmon, and rabbit means you can keep your dog excited with different tastes each time.
5. Incorporate Reward-Based Socialization and Exercise
Rewarding your dog doesn’t always have to involve treats. Socialization and physical exercise are powerful rewards that contribute to your dog’s overall well-being. Whether it’s a trip to the dog park, a playdate with a furry friend, or a new walking route, these experiences offer mental and physical stimulation. Rewarding your dog with social activities not only helps them burn off energy but also reinforces positive social behavior, making them happier and more well-adjusted.
Use Playdates as a Social Reward
Organizing playdates with other dogs can be an excellent way to reward your pup while also providing essential socialization. These interactions help your dog develop better social skills and burn off energy in a fun and engaging way. Plus, the excitement of playing with other dogs serves as a natural reward, reinforcing positive behavior during the outing.
Incorporating creativity into how we reward our dogs can transform simple treats into powerful tools for engagement, mental stimulation, and bonding. By turning treat time into a fun and enriching experience, we not only make our treats last longer but also ensure that our dogs are happier, healthier, and more fulfilled. From interactive feeding toys to scent games and training challenges, these methods keep our dogs’ minds sharp and their spirits high. Ultimately, it’s about making every treat a meaningful part of their day, reinforcing good behavior and strengthening the bond we share with our furry companions. So, let's rethink how we use treats, making them a part of activities that enrich our dogs' lives and deepen our connection with them.
Turn Walks into Training Opportunities
Walks don’t have to be just about physical exercise—they can also be a time to reinforce good behavior and introduce new challenges. Incorporate commands like "sit," "stay," or "heel" during your walk, and reward your dog with treats or praise for following through. This not only makes the walk more mentally stimulating but also helps your dog stay engaged and responsive while enjoying their exercise.
