Ditching the Bowl: Enriching Our Dogs' Lives One Meal at a Time
As dog owners, we often follow traditional methods when it comes to feeding our furry friends. However, have you ever considered what it could mean for your relationship with your dog if you ditched the bowl? Here's why feeding shouldn't just be a routine but an opportunity to bond, play, and enrich their lives.
The Relationship Bank Account: Value Beyond the Bowl
Imagine waking up every day with a set amount of money – that's the pot of value our dogs wake up with in the form of food. We have the power to decide how and where this value is utilized. Instead of just pouring this value into a simple bowl, why not invest it into a 'relationship bank account'?
When we incorporate games into feeding, we're pouring all that value directly into our relationship. This change is monumental for nurturing a bond with our dog. By making ourselves the epicenter of everything fun, we're paving the way for a deeper connection with our canine companion.
Getting Started: Fun Ways to Feed Your Dog
Chase the Food: Start with the basics. Let your dog chase the food in your hand. This helps them target and pursue the treat.
Bowl It: Roll the food away, prompting your dog to chase after it.
Restrained Chase: Hold your dog back, throw a piece of food ahead, ignite their interest, and release them to fetch it.
The idea is to merge training with feeding. Promote orientation and proximity during walks or training sessions using their food. For instance, the orientation game or the magic hand are fantastic tools to integrate feeding with skill-building.
Addressing Concerns: "I Feed Raw!"
If you're among those who feed raw, fret not! There's always a way around. Here are some solutions:
Treat Dispensers: Great for holding chunks of raw meat.
Squeeze Tubes: Ideal for softer raw foods.
Meatballs: Shape minced raw into balls, freeze, and serve.
Beyond direct feeding methods, think of innovative feeding ideas:
Chews: Long-lasting treats like tripe bones, fish skin braids, antlers, and raw bones. Perfect for a calming effect.
Stuffed Toys: They not only promote calm but also provide a challenge. Introduce progressively difficult shapes and fillings to keep them engaged.
Snuffle Mats & Scatter Feeding: A calming and brain-engaging activity where dogs search for their food.
Slow Feeders & Puzzle Bowls: These aren't just to slow down eating; they're a game and a fun challenge!
Interactive Toys: Toys that require problem-solving. They aid in cognitive development and are a favorite among many dogs.
DIY Options & Training Treat Ideas
Creativity has no bounds. From using shoeboxes filled with empty toilet rolls to muffin tins & tennis balls, there's a plethora of DIY options to engage your dog's mind.
And while it's always recommended to use your dog's regular meal as treats, occasionally introducing kitchen staples like fruits, vegetables, meats, or even herbs can provide a refreshing change and challenge for them.
On hot summer days, consider preparing frozen dog treats. From freezing vegetables & fruits to broths and yogurts – the options are endless!
The Takeaway: Embrace the Change
Ditching the bowl might sound daunting, especially for households with multiple dogs. But remember, it's not about an all-or-nothing approach. Maybe it's one meal a week or just their breakfasts. The aim is to weave fun into their meal times.
Far from making them 'work' for their food, you're offering them a more natural and enriching way to receive their meals. After all, in the wild, dogs are biologically wired to seek, chase, and hunt for their sustenance. So, by ditching the bowl, we're not just feeding our dogs, but we're also nurturing their instincts and enriching their lives.
Remember: Our dogs aren't just working for us; we're playing and bonding together. By transforming meal times into a playful and engaging activity, we're enriching their lives and strengthening our bond.
Unveil the Authentic Joy in Your Canine Companion!
At Kindred Canine, we're not just about training; we're about fostering deep, joyful connections. Leveraging the magic of games-based methods and a holistic approach to well-being, we help you and your furry friend dance in delightful harmony.
Are you ready to turn every interaction into a bonding moment? Let's embark on this transformative journey together.
Connect with Kindred Canine Today and Discover a Brighter Tomorrow for You and Your Dog!