February 1st, 2024.
The author Shauna Niequist once said, “feeding people is a way of loving them”, and this notion certainly applies to the furry friends in our lives. We tend to shower them with duck, lamb, and irresistible pumpkin flavored treats, celebrating every sit, stay, and rollover with tasty snacks. But what if, for most dogs, hand-feeding wasn’t an expression of love, but instead an unintended obstacle to deeper connections with your pet?
Dogs inherently crave connection and relationships, especially with their human family. Much like us, their understanding of human interaction begins with their primary bond - their human parents. When we are first introduced to a dog, hand-feeding treats is often recommended. Similarly, many of us greet our dogs after an extended time away with hugs…and lots of treats. These practices, though well-intentioned, can lead dogs to perceive treat-dispensing hands as the primary mode of interacting with humans. This limits their social development, encouraging nose-tucking and hand nipping instead of eye contact and the more authentic heart-to-heart moments key to developing deep relationships.
Another common practice is giving treats as positive reinforcement for behavior that we deem “good”. We ask them to sit while holding a treat above their head, or we call them to come to us, rewarding them with a high value treat when they do. As young children, when our parents encouraged reading practice, it wasn't for a treat or a prize. The pride of developing reading skills and the joy of spending time together was its own reward. Likewise, treats as the sole motivator for “good” dog behavior not only cheapens their achievements but also deprives them of the most important lesson – that we love them unconditionally and cherish our shared experiences, regardless of tricks or treats.
Dogs, by nature, can and will revert back to their survival instincts a lot faster than humans. For them, treats are food and food is an essential element of survival. A constant barrage of treats can distort their relationship with food, fostering unhealthy habits and a sense of desperation around it.
For dogs, a complete, balanced meal is far more beneficial than a morning, mid-afternoon, and/or midnight snack. And let’s be honest, overfeeding isn’t love, it’s actually a contributor to the alarming 56% obesity rate in dogs; an issue that can significantly reduce life expectancy and cause unnecessary and costly health problems. This is not to say you cannot, and should not ever give treats; however, moderation is key.
So while it seems that Shauna’s quote holds true - feeding can foster love - in order to raise well-mannered, confident, and healthy dogs, we should be mindful of when and why we offer treats, and move beyond treat-centered interactions. Instead, let’s build genuine connections with our fur babies, through shared connections and unconditional love.
Happy Month of Love!
xoxo Daniella & Eran
