Category: Getting Started ¤
  Author: Shirley Chong ¤
   Title: Shirley's Treats ¤

   Bingo! Remember, her body weight is much, much less than an adult
human being. If you were giving that many hotdogs to a human child of
her body weight, wouldn't you expect digestive disturbances?
   I also have a funny hunch that you may be cutting your hotdog bits
too large. For large dogs, I cut each hot dog into 60 or more coins,
then nuke 'em. For small dogs and puppies, I cut each hot dog into
quarters the long way (so I have spears) then cut each quarter into 60
or more coins. Rather than nuking them, I put them into a strainer and
boil the pieces for five to ten minutes, then rinse with cold water.
This washes away a lot of the salt and fat (that cause the problems) and
yet they still have enough of that hot dog scent to be enticing to the
dog.
   A healthier alternative for jackpots is to get those little
itsy-bitsy cans of chicken (brand name Swanson). They have a pop top.
I'll open a can at the beginning of a training session and use it as an
occasional reinforcer plus give the dog a big forkful as a jackpot.
   Also, try varying your reinforcers. Try her out on carrot coins,
different cereals (my dogs love Peanut Butter Captain Crunch), Rice
Crispies, Puffed Wheat, Cheerios, little bits of goodies from dinner
last night, etc. Dogs love hot dogs but they're really not that good for
them and the nasty chemical stuff is more potent for dogs due to their
lower body weight. I give them as treats, too, but in moderation.

M. Shirley Chong
The Well Mannered Dog