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what treats do you suggest

Discussion in 'Treats & Supplements' started by Shelby's mom, Feb 17, 2012.

  1. Shelby's mom

    Shelby's mom Forums Enthusiast

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    Shelby and I are going to begin volunteering at a local nursing home. We will be making visits to the residents. I know that they are going to want to give her treats, and I also want to take treats to use as encouagement for Shelby. I just don't want her to have too many calories. I will cut back her feeding on those days to compensate, but any suggestions for a healthy substitute for the treats? I was thinking of some pieces of carrots. She loves any friut or veggie. Thanks for the suggestions.
     
  2. dmeyer123

    dmeyer123 Forums Enthusiast

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    If she likes carrots they would be a good choice. If Lexi has been getting a lot of treats from training, I cut back a little on her food at meal time.

    Be careful about letting residents give your dog treats. Have a very solid "leave it" trained and keep a watchful eye out. I've heard of cases where patients have offered therapy dogs medications by mistake.
     
  3. Chris

    Chris Premium Member

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    Carrots and peas both have high sugar. Will she do small pieces of fresh green bean or cauliflower?
     
  4. Abby's Dad

    Abby's Dad Forums Enthusiast

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    If you feed her kibble....bring some of that.
     
  5. corbinam

    corbinam Moderator

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    The residents may have a harder time with handling fruits and veggies--just because they are wet and require you to wash your hands afterwards :)

    If you're looking for an easy to carry around, not too high in calories dog treat I would recommend Little Stars. They are really small, and the sweet potato ones smell really good!

    Here's the amazon link and you can also find them at Petco.
     
  6. Shelby's mom

    Shelby's mom Forums Enthusiast

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    Thanks everyone for your suggestions. We have our first visit next week. I think I will try the little stars. She actually does very well with "leave it" but I will definitely keep a very close watch to make sure she doesn't get something she shouldn't. I never thought about the risk of someone giving her pills by mistake.

    I never realized carrots were high in sugar. Our vet suggested carrots when she was teething and she loves them I nave yet to find any fruit or veggie that she doesn't like. She even loves lettuce.
     
  7. BarbV

    BarbV Forums Celebrity

    I would be looking for low calorie, high reward, small size treats. I sometimes offer Charlee Bears to dogs coming into the store. Nothing in them that could cause any upsets, etc.

    http://www.charleebear.com/dog+treats+low+calories+products.php

    I've discovered that my boys adore Sweet Potatoe rawhide made by Crumps. Its nothing but sweet potatoe (no other additives, etc.) and you can easily cut it up into smaller bits. And non-greasy. Even if it dries out a little in your pouch, they still love it. They are a little bit chewy so require more than just a gulp.

    http://www.crumps.ca/products/sweet-potato-rawhide

    I also support that most of the treating should be managed by you, if possible. I know the residents would love to give treats, but not just "because"....it should be reward driven. Just my two cents worth

    p.s. Good for you for doing this! I've always wanted to do this myself. When I first looked into it, I was told my pups were too young. Now the pups are old enough but I don't have the time!
     
  8. Justme

    Justme Forums Enthusiast

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    My boy wasn't picky about treats. :) He thought that plain, unsweetened, Cheerios made a dandy reward treat.
     
  9. take4roll10

    take4roll10 Moderator

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    I second Charlee Bears. They're only 3 calories each, all natural and made in the US.
     
  10. Emmasmom

    Emmasmom Forums Sage

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    Just remember that like any other service dog, therapy dogs are working when they visit. My suggestion is to keep treating by the residents to a minimum so that the dog doesn't look focus as to why they are there.
     

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