[Rottie]

We have had big dogs for a long time - Alsatians and now a Rottie.

Toys have been a problem. The only toys I have found that survive are Kongs and Nylabones. Large discarded tractor tyes do not fit in well to our living room.

Our Rottie - Kaiser just loves treats like any other dog, treats do no harm providing one is sensible about them.

His current passion is a morning affair with his Kong. I fill the hole up with 2 fish treats, add 3 Maltesers and finish off with 3 small biscuits.

He then trots off with a very happy butt and procedes to enjoy his task of getting the goodies out of the hole, which he does with no trouble at all.

It is so nice to see him enjoying this daily procedure.

I say again, treats are no problem providing you are sensible about it. Fat dogs are the result of well meaning but stupid owners.

[labradorann]

Had to reply, I see so many fat dogs around its clear their owners just give them treats all day to get them to behave. I looked into making my own healthy treats and found this video on the subject:

youtube.com/watch?v=hDkkfVWFHOU

You might want to swap out the bacon for something which is better for the dog but it has some good tips

Originally Posted by Rottie

We have had big dogs for a long time - Alsatians and now a Rottie.

Toys have been a problem. The only toys I have found that survive are Kongs and Nylabones. Large discarded tractor tyes do not fit in well to our living room.

Our Rottie - Kaiser just loves treats like any other dog, treats do no harm providing one is sensible about them.

His current passion is a morning affair with his Kong. I fill the hole up with 2 fish treats, add 3 Maltesers and finish off with 3 small biscuits.

He then trots off with a very happy butt and procedes to enjoy his task of getting the goodies out of the hole, which he does with no trouble at all.

It is so nice to see him enjoying this daily procedure.

I say again, treats are no problem providing you are sensible about it. Fat dogs are the result of well meaning but stupid owners.

[Lunareclipse]

I give my dogs whole raw cow femurs. They love them. They are huge and last forever. They are $8.00 at our local butcher. We have saint bernards and a great pyrenees and Mr. Sweaters.

[labradorann]

Yeah for chewing on our butcher always has plenty of bones, seems like he leaves a bit more meat on the ones I pickup, he has a thing for me I think lol

[vernahll4]

Treats are not meant to be given any time, and every time. They should be given occasionally, just as the name suggests, as a treat. Even so, the treat should be healthy, or you'll surely have a fat dog to contend with.

[reeskujo]

Luna, I've always given my Akita's the raw femur bones to..They absolutely love them and you're right,they last forever!

[labradorann]

Originally Posted by vernahll4

Treats are not meant to be given any time, and every time. They should be given occasionally, just as the name suggests, as a treat. Even so, the treat should be healthy, or you'll surely have a fat dog to contend with.

lol, half the battle is looking at those faces and not giving them a treat

[JayBee]

There are so many overweight dogs 9and owners). If your pups are not overfed, they live longer and happier lives. And you get to enjoy them more!