How to chose natural chewy snack for him if he tend to gobble it up many times without chewing? Supervising on chewing is not enough. He gets so excited to eat but he will rather try swallowing the chew whole than actually chewing it not matter how big the chew is.. Sometimes he doesn't do it, most times he does. I'm glad that he haven't choked himself on any yet. Raw bones, dried animal skin, dried offal snacks, pressed pelt bones that could be not thick and large enough... He can't resist it and he rather eat it too fast or try to swallow without chewing anything. After that he possibly would want more.. His behaviourist adviced that I should give him something to chew.. even on daily basis.. as dogs have their natural need for chewing stuff. This doesn't work with toys as he love to destroy and eat stuff he destroyed. He does have hard high quality toy chews but he gets bored with them easily..
It's wonderful that you're considering natural chewy snacks for your Keeshond, especially given his tendency to gobble them up quickly. Here are some suggestions and tips to help manage his excitement and ensure he chews properly:
Firstly, choosing the right size and shape of chews is crucial. Opt for larger, irregularly shaped chews such as bully sticks, large raw bones, or antlers. These options make it more difficult for him to swallow them whole. Always supervise him while he's enjoying these treats to ensure his safety.
Another effective strategy is to use frozen treats. Freezing chews can make them last longer and be more challenging to swallow quickly. You can freeze natural chews like raw bones or even create homemade frozen treats using ingredients like yogurt and peanut butter.
Interactive feeders or puzzle toys that dispense treats slowly can also be beneficial. These tools help slow down his eating and keep him engaged for longer periods.
Training commands such as "slow" or "gentle" can be very helpful. By working on these commands, you can teach him to take his time with treats. Rewarding him when he chews slowly will reinforce this positive behavior.
Limiting his chew time to short sessions initially can prevent him from getting too excited and trying to swallow large pieces. Gradually increase the duration as he learns to chew properly.
To keep him interested, rotate different types of chews. This can include natural options like dried animal skin, offal snacks, and pressed pelt bones, as well as durable chew toys.
Always supervise him closely during chew time. If he tries to swallow large pieces, take the chew away and give it back once he calms down.
If his behavior persists, it might be beneficial to consult a veterinary behaviorist for additional strategies tailored to his specific needs.
Ensuring that the chews you choose are safe and appropriate for his size and chewing habits is paramount. If you have any further questions, please feel free to ask. Thank you!
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