Sometimes, you just can’t get your dog’s attention. In these cases, a tried and true method has been to call out for treats or even crinkle the bag itself. Usually, this is pretty effective. So much so, in fact, that a recent survey estimates that over 50% of dogs respond to the word ‘treat’, while only 37% respond to their names.
The Study of Treats
The study, commissioned by CLIF Pet, found that about 63% of dogs were “very food motivated.” And while this may not surprise many dog parents, the study did uncover interesting facts about our canine friends.
For example, the survey revealed that most dogs know an average of five spoken commands. Of these, dog parents reported that 20% of their dog’s vocabulary is based on treats. Historically, treats are among the most effective training aids out there for dog parents. In fact, the combination of treats with positive reinforcement training can sometimes be a little too effective.
Obviously, the survey results only confirm what we already know. Four out of 10 respondents used treats as a reward, and three out of four believed that without treats, they wouldn’t have been able to train their dogs. On top of this, about one of every 5 respondents admitted to giving their dogs treats every day, sometimes multiple times per day.
Too Much of a Good Thing
However, as much as we love to spoil our pups, it’s important to moderate calorie-dense treats. Interestingly, survey respondents estimated that treats should make up about 27% of their dog’s caloric intake. According to experts, though, treats should only be about 10%.
More than anything, the survey revealed that dog parents love to spoil their pooches. About 39% of respondents said they use treats to cheer their dogs up. And what is more fascinating; 32% used treats to cheer themselves up. In fact, 62% said the dog treats were more of a reward for them than the dog!
In the end, there are probably worse things than giving your dog too many treats. But if you feel compelled to let your pup indulge, make sure to take the time to choose the right treats for your dog.
