This post is all about how to fix dog bites fingers when taking treats.
Some dogs are just so eager about food that they can't help but try to take a big chunk of food (and fingers) when you offer them something good to eat.
The trick to fixing this behavior is not teaching your dog an "easy" command, but rather, teaching them how to use their soft mouth to take treats.
Dog Bites Fingers When Taking Treats
Whether you just brought home a hungry puppy or perhaps your dog is an alligator mix that has been taking treats violently for years, you can teach them to start using their soft mouth to take treats.
Related: Teaching a Dog to Sit (So They Actually Listen the First Time)
How to Teach Dog to be Gentle Taking Treats
Many dog owners teach dogs a command like "be gentle" or "easy" before taking treats, but that is not a long-term or safe solution for a dog to take treats gently.
Sure, a dog may learn the word "easy" or "gentle". But what does your dog do when your aunt comes over for Thanksgiving dinner and offers your dog a green bean without saying the word, "easy?"
The problem with teaching an obedience command is that the obedience command has to be initiated by the human. And humans are very inconsistent.
It's much better and safer to teach your dog the life skill of taking treats and food from people kindly.
All dogs can do this. Think about it- does your dog take a treat off the ground the same way they take a treat from your hand? Or do they approach the ground with a little more finesse?
Before we dive into the how- here's a few dog treat FAQs.
Best Dog Treats
Power Bites
Dog Trainer thoughts:
If a dog is turning their nose at kibble or biscuits, 95% of the time these are a hit! If your dog is treat motivated, they'll love these! They are in a great price range, and available for subscribe and save, for an even bigger discount. They are a little big, but can be broken into 5-8 littler pieces to give to your dog in training sessions.
Zuke's Training Treats
Dog Trainer thoughts:
These are fine treats! Most dogs take them happily, but they don't break up into smaller pieces easily. Breaking them in half is about all you can get. Great option for someone who doesn't want to break smaller pieces off their treats and a little more on the pricey side
A Better Treat
Dog Trainer thoughts:
These are fine treats! Most dogs take them happily, but they don't break up into smaller pieces easily. Breaking them in half is about all you can get. Great option for someone who doesn't want to break smaller pieces off their treats and a little more on the pricey side
Chasing Our Tails Dehydrated Liver
Dog Trainer thoughts:
These treats are top of line for my dogs! I save these for their recall word and they only get these when they do something really excellent.
How many treats per day for a puppy?
Generally, vets will recommend giving no more than 10% of their daily caloric intake as treats.
However, treats are generally more for people then they are for dogs. Many people give their dogs treats because it makes the person feel good. (Treats are delicious- but your dog may work just as hard for kibble as they do for treats).
One of the easiest ways to monitor your puppy's food intake is to put all the food they are to eat in a day in a bowl or treat pouch that you can hand feed them throughout the day as they work for their food. Then give whatever is left over in a meal or activity at the end of the day.
Is it okay giving dogs treats for no reason?
Whether or not you give your dog's treats for no reason is completely up to you! Be mindful of two things though:
- Your dog's weight
- The relationship you have with your dog
Of course, weight is one thing to pay attention to. Over half the dogs in America are overweight. The good thing about fixing this is that you control what your dog eats, so just control what your dog eats!
Another great idea for treats for dogs who may need to shed a few pounts is using kibble, green beans, frozen peas, blueberries, chicken or their kibble!
Related: Raw Feeding Dog Diet | How to Feed Half-Kibble Half Raw
The other thing that factors in whether you should give "free" treats is the relationship you have with your dog. Some dogs do really well with "free" treats. Other dogs, see this as a sign that you work for them.
If you are having behavior issues with your dog, consider asking them for something before giving them a treat- even something as simple as "sit" or "down"
How to Give Treats to Dogs
Teaching your dog to take treats is all about how you offer the treat.
So, in order to teach your dog better manners with taking treats, the most fair thing to do for your dog is teach them predictability. This predictability should be consistent whether your dog is taking treats, food or kibble from your hand.
If you have been throwing treats for your dog to catch, this is one of the main behaviors that contributes to a lack of predictability and alligator teeth. This is especially true if you have more than one dog.
The panic of catching a treat in the air along with competition with another dog to get the treat, will encourage a dog to use teeth to take treats.
So, it's important to start offering your dog in a predictable, calm way.
4 Steps to Stop a Dog From Biting Fingers
Step 1:
Take the treat in a flat palm and place it between your ring finger and middle finger at the top of your palm.
Step 2:
Cover your treat with your thumb.
Step 3:
Offer the treat to your dog with a low flat hand, and hold the treat with your thumb.
Step 4:
Release the treat when your dog offers a soft mouth to take the treat.
Helpful Hint:
Don't use any words. Keep your hand low, so that your dog doesn't have to jump up to get the treat.
Holding your hand or the treat too high will likely encourage jumping and mouthing, so keep your hand low and flat.
You'll have to be consistent about offering treats this way. If your dog senses unpredictability or inconsistency, they'll probably go back to their old habits! The more you practice this, the easier it gets!
You don't need to ask your dog for obedience if you're practicing this. You can just practice the skill of taking a treat (though it doesn't hurt to throw in some obedience here and there!)
Still have questions about your dog? Email a professional dog trainer today at alex@alexliggett.com
