Dogs

Weekly Wag #14: Bonding Over Shared Food

by Carrie Boyko, CEB

Who among us would not like to change at least one of our dog's errant habits? Jumping, barking, pulling, herding or food aggression with dogs or people. These and more are among the top on most owners' list of troubling behaviors. These are all topics I get regular questions about, and having worked through them with my own dogs, I often attempt to provide assistance or problem solving when our Ask the Dog Trainer columnist is backed up, which is pretty much all the time. He's a popular guy!

This week as I change direction from Fetch Training to a new topic for next week, I'd like to give you a chance to offer an opinion. First, evaluate your pup. What are his behaviors that most need work? You don't have to tell me; just answer this for yourself.

Once you've determined your areas of greatest concern, leave a comment (anonymous is fine!) telling me which behaviors are your biggest problems. I'll follow your lead, although I will continue to pop in an occasional Wag that includes some toy fun or other silliness too. Look for some great treat balls coming soon.

Today's bonding activity will be more of a snuggle on the couch and read a good novel, unless you're busy watching the Final Four. When it's time for a snack, choose something you and Fido can share. Remember those sleepovers when you and your friends ate a whole pint of ice cream together? That's the image we're working on today--sharing.

Here are a few ideas for sharing with Fido:

Peanut butter can be rubbed inside a Kong, or on the outside of any other favorite snack. For the longest lasting enjoyment, make it tough to get to. Also remember that peanut butter is high in fat, so don't stuff that Kong, simply rub the inside of it with a thin layer and make it a challenging job to get at. Yum yum!
Another favorite snack of both humans and Fidos is cheese. Choose harder cheeses and share small shavings to limit calories and fat for your furry friend.
Carrots (we choose organic) are a healthy and nutritious snack for your dog. Just keep in mind that they are high in sugar, so your Yorkie should only get a tiny baby carrot, even if your Great Dane is gobbling down 2 giant juicing carrots. Sorry little one!
Pupsicles are a wonderful way to cool down after a hot afternoon walk--apple juice, carrot juice, and even chicken broth freeze well and offer a fun, low-cal treat that can be served on the back patio or in a lined crate to eliminate the dripping on your floor.
Frozen treats are a delightful version of our human popsicles. Try our Pupsicle favorites, made from plain yogurt, blended with fresh fruits. Or add a bit of peanut butter to plain yogurt for a different sort of frozen delight. You'll enjoy these as well when frozen in an ice cube tray and popped out to eat one by one.
What are your favorite snacks to share? Feel free to leave a comment and tell me about you and your pup's delightful snacking choices.

The Weekly Wag quarterly participation drawing will be made tomorrow from our sign up post at this link. That makes today your last opportunity to sign up, leave some feedback, comments, ideas or a report on how your dog is doing on any of the Weekly Wag activities you may have participated in. By the way, did you check the winners' list for the Weekly Wag giveaway?

We'll be thanking you for your participation at the end of each quarter, so keep it coming. You can find the sign up post anytime, by simply clicking the Weekly Wag button in my sidebar. Our first quarter winner will be announced Monday, so be sure to stop in for Mutt Monday and see who grabs the Weekly Wag quarterly surprise.

Before you leave All Things Dog Blog, don't forget to answer the quick questions in the poll at the top of this column. You'll be helping to guide our Weekly Wags as we continue to have fun bonding with our dogs. Meanwhile, the whole list is included below so that you can catch up on any of our Weekly Wags you may have missed:

#13: Extra Credit Fetch
#12: Building the Fetch Cycle
#11: Stringing Skills for Fetch
#10: The Most Important Skill of All
#9: Sit and Stay: More Fetch Preparation
#8 Preparing for Fetch Training: The Exchange Game
#7 Make Crate Time Great Time
#6 Take a Woodsy Hike with No Sweat
#5 Disc Dogging for You and Bowser
#4 Bond by Teaching Toy Names
#3 Photo Fun: Say Cheese!
#2 Stay and Come to Get in Shape
#1 Canine Scent Work
Sign up Here to Win Prizes for Participation

This post is part of the Saturday Pet Blogger Hop hosted by Life with Dogs, Two Little Cavaliers, and Confessions of the Plume. You are welcome to link up here, or visit any of their sites for their rules of participation and another opportunity to link up. Happy hopping!

- Weekly Wag #12:building The Fetch Cycle
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- Weekly Wag #11: Stringing Skills For Fetch
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- Weekly Wag #10: The Most Important Skill Of All!
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- Weekly Wag #9: Sit & Stay More Fetch Preparation
by Carrie Boyko, CEB © All Things Dog Blog Tanner at Attention © L. Glavin Nice Stay, TannerWelcome back for more Weekly Wag fun and bonding time with your dog. If you've joined the group to give feedback and win prizes, be sure to leave your comments...

- Weekly Wag #8: Preparing For Fetch Training
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Dogs