High Value Treats For Sensitive Stomach Dogs

[Anonymous]

Our 15-month-old very large dog has been regressing in his training lately, especially recall/come. Ever since he passed the 115lb mark he seems to be testing who is in charge... and is starting to act like our commands are suggestions/optional . My spouse just says he's stubborn, but we obviously need to address it immediately.

It's clear we need to do more training to reinforce the right behaviors - and go back to the basics the trainers taught us. He is very food motivated. The challenge is that he has a very sensitive stomach (we've done food elimination tests and changed to a prescription kibble in recent months).

We used to use pieces of hot dogs or meatballs, which he would do cartwheels for when he was younger. However, we realized they were contributing big time to his loose stool issues and switched to freeze dried bites of liver - but they don't have the same appeal to him anymore.

We would greatly appreciate any suggestions for high value treats that are generally better for sensitive stomach dogs. Thank you

[Anonymous]

Can he eat chicken? I never trusted the commercial chicken jerky for dogs but it’s easy to make at home in the oven or a dehydrator.

[Anonymous]

Freeze dried salmon should be ok. We buy the brand Stewart’s.

https://a.co/d/691ZIzf

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Our 15-month-old very large dog has been regressing in his training lately, especially recall/come. Ever since he passed the 115lb mark he seems to be testing who is in charge... and is starting to act like our commands are suggestions/optional . My spouse just says he's stubborn, but we obviously need to address it immediately.

It's clear we need to do more training to reinforce the right behaviors - and go back to the basics the trainers taught us. He is very food motivated. The challenge is that he has a very sensitive stomach (we've done food elimination tests and changed to a prescription kibble in recent months).

We used to use pieces of hot dogs or meatballs, which he would do cartwheels for when he was younger. However, we realized they were contributing big time to his loose stool issues and switched to freeze dried bites of liver - but they don't have the same appeal to him anymore.

We would greatly appreciate any suggestions for high value treats that are generally better for sensitive stomach dogs. Thank you

What behaviors do you want that he isn't giving? How important is it for him to do those? The theory of dominance or "testing who is in charge" isn't the current way of thinking. Did your trainers have you use e-collars or prong? If so, that that might be one of the problems. I trained my dog so that he really wants to come when called because not only will he get good treats but, he will be given a lot of verbal praise. Do you call him and then take him away from doing something fun? Do you call him and do unpleasant things like trim his nails or give him a bath? If so, you may have "poisoned" the recall.

You need to start all over if you have done the above. Practice calling him and giving him treats and praise but, don't put his leash on to take him away from his friends ( for example ) Do that a couple times and with practice he should come to you.

My high value treats are from Happy Howies ( the meat role) https://www.happyhowies.com/about-us/ You could also do boiled chicken or beef

[Anonymous]

Frozen canned tuna, sardines, raw hearts and gizzards.

[Anonymous]

Welcome to doggy adolescence! (I am in it with my 13 month old. He had perfect "listening ears" at 10 months, and then it all fell apart and he's been testing boundaries for sure lately!)

This is a perfectly normal phase. Dogs usually remember they have a brain and you are worth paying attention to around 2--you just have to get through it! In the meantime, management is your friend. Use a long line line if you want to give him freedom but be able to real him in!

As far as tummy safe treats, I've had success with cheese for a lot of dogs who can't handle rich protiens, sometimes chicken, or they make squeeze pouches of peanut butter.

--trainer