This post is sponsored by WellPet®, but the content and opinions expressed here are my own.

The classic parent quote “It’s cute now but wait until they are ten” is exactly how I have felt about our sweet Barkus. We have to stay on top of his training because a 15lb puppy barking or jumping is a lot different than a 120lb adult dog that could actually knock someone over! 

Over the past 4 years, we have learned a few tricks using only treats which has made life with a large dog much easier. Barkus is very treat orientated, so training with treats has been fairly easy. Since we love our boy more than most people, we prefer to feed him all-natural ingredients. He loves Old Mother Hubbard treats and I feel comfortable that they aren’t hurting his tummy but still deliver lots of flavors. He’s a happy eater and I’m a happy treater! 

Simple Training Tips with Treats:

Barking- When Barkus is making a ruckus, we use the word “quiet” because saying “Barkus, no barking” was confusing him.  As soon as he stops barking, I pull out a treat and reward him with lots of praise. When your dog is being quiet on its own in the middle of the day, grab a few treats and praise their good behavior!  

Table Manners- Are you tired of your dog begging at the dinner table? Grab a few Old Mother Hubbard Mini Treats and place them in your pocket or under your napkin. Next, instruct your dog to lay down. Throughout dinner, discreetly give your dog a few mini treats when they are quiet and laying down.  This has been a game-changer for us as Barkus knows he gets no treats or attention at the table unless he is laying down. Sometimes when I am making dinner, he will lay down in the dining room in anticipation!

Bike Rides with Your Buddy-  To train your dog to run next to you while you ride, grab a handful of Old Mother Hubbard Mini Treats, your pet’s leash, and your bike.

1. The key is to start out slow. Walk next to your bike with your dog on the other side, feeding Old Mother Hubbard treats every few seconds. It is normal for your dog to be a bit skittish but the natural peanut butter flavor of the treats should be enough for him/her to keep close to the bike, begging for more. 

2. Once you feel your dog is no longer nervous near a bike tire, get on your bike, pushing yourself with your feet. Now, call your dog’s name. When he/she looks up, give a treat. Keep this up so that every time you say your dog’s name, he/she looks at you, and treats follow.

3. Next, start peddling slowly, saying his/her name every once in a while and dishing out little treats. You two will be cruising down the street in no time! I will say, we’ve only crashed once but it was enough to make me happy I had my helmet on. So, wear that helmet! 

Disclosure: I am not a dog trainer, these are just tricks that have worked well for Barkus! Also, just like your kid, our dog is not perfect. He’s squirrely, silly, and still tries to run between people’s legs. And just like your kid, we will continue to teach him good behaviors even if he seems like he isn’t retaining a darn thing!

Click on the link to purchase your Old Mother Hubbard dog treat flavor of choice in-store or online at Walmart. Enjoy teaching these new tricks with Old Mother Hubbard treats! 

The Lavenders