Use treats in moderation

The long winter months affect our pets’ physical condition somewhat and also have an impact on their weight. Getting active and playing together is an extremely important factor in helping your pooch loses his winter fat reserves. Nonetheless, “positive reinforcement” is an integral part of these activities and that usually means rewarding your dog with treats. You can make sure that your dog doesn’t gain any extra pounds with these new activities by deducting his treats from his daily food rations. Reduced-calorie snacks are also ideal in these situations and make the perfect guilt-free treat. Actually there is nothing to stop you making your dog “earn” his entire daily food ration. On the contrary – most dogs would find this extremely entertaining. Spontaneous training sessions can transform even your standard daily walks into exciting opportunities. And as an added benefit, your dog will learn that it pays to give you their full attention. You should avoid playing “find the treat” games outside though. Your dog would almost certainly enjoy it, but he would also learn that it’s okay to eat things that he finds on the ground, which could prove dangerous for him. Instead, it’s better to put his food in a food bag that your dog has to first retrieve before he is allowed to eat the contents from your hand.

With Easter around the corner, don’t forget that chocolate can be toxic to dogs. Make sure to always keep your sweet snacks safely stored away.

Call in to your local Maxi Zoo store and pick the perfect toy and treat for your pet with the help of our Pet Experts. Find your local store at www.maxizoo.ie. Irelands largest range of pet products at fantastic prices.