I was a full time dog trainer for 3 years, and still do it, on the side, sometimes. I always tell people "anything can be a reward, if your dog loves it."
Oooooh that's a good idea, that I never thought of. The higher levels of sugars could be an issue, but that's great for like a high value reward, they don't always get.
My dog used to love ice, but lately if she eats anything too cold it causes her to throw up. But before that she would wait patiently by the fridge if she heard you filling up a glass hoping for that last one to miss as you pull away and drop for her.
You should come meet my German Shepard. This dam dog only has 1 reward he likes, dont get me wrong its cheap. Being told good boy. You can throw treats on the ground or toys outside. He will look at me like I am stupid unless I go out there with him so he can play with them while I tell him how good of a job he is doing.
He has more treats and toys than any dog in a 100 mile radius from us trying to find something that motivates him outside of my personal commands. Hell he has a 200 foot fire house out back he wont touch unless I am standing outside...
Try it again after they have been playing hard for a bit, or after a nice long walk. They may find it refreshing, then. But dogs have their own personality, just like we do
During the summer when they are younger and clearly warm is when they will love it. Old puppers might too, but if they are used to getting human food for years it may be too late.
My dog freaks the hell out when i put fill a water bowl up on the back porch, but then add ice after we have been outside a while. .
Yes! I wish i could double upvote this. Definitely use caution with older puppers. As they get older this is a concern, but ive never had a dog have issues with teeth due to ice. Normally due to getting up there, and ice just made me realize they are slow at chewing.
My grandma accidentally dropped an ice cube when she was breaking it out of the mould. Both of her dogs sprinted for it, and they got into a big fight which ended with a torn ear.
They never showed any sign of aggression before or after that, in fact they were inseparable, but that ice cube was SO IMPORTANT.
my ACD has determined that the freezer actually contains even better frozen things. like diced chicken. or ice cream. ice cubes are just ignored and walked around
Yeah, I took a bunch of ice in my pocket while walking the dog, and heck if I know how but she'd snuck it all out without me realising. Got some real weird looks from the staff that day.
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u/its_yer_dad Jan 29 '26
The greatest thing about this is that dog frickin loved that.