By: Michelle Reindal, CPDT-KA, FDM
When something feels off in our digestive system, we may be unable to focus, be generally uncomfortable, and are most likely uninterested in learning a new skill. It's the same for dogs.
The brain-body connection is clear — not only is it much more challenging for dogs to learn and retain new information when they're not feeling 100%, it can also be tricky for dog owners to figure out what food and treats they can use to help their dog have the most successful training sessions possible.
Let's discuss why gut health is crucial to your dog's well-being and how we can help them thrive and learn with optimal nutrition.
Understanding a Sensitive Stomach
Symptoms of a sensitive stomach aren't always obvious, but if your dog is consistently experiencing any of the following symptoms, it may be time to get them into their veterinarian for a checkup:
- flatulence
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- constipation
- loss of appetite
- bloating in the stomach area
- inability to get comfortable
- change in gait
The importance of assessing your dog for pain in their body before even attempting to train cannot be overstated. Your veterinarian can help you uncover the cause behind your dog's digestive distress. Whether it's a common cause, like a food allergy, a reaction to a diet change, or even stress, your vet will devise a plan to avoid treats, food, or activities contributing to your dog's stomach upset. For example, if your dog has an allergy to a specific protein that's way down on the ingredients list in the treats you've been using — that could be the cause!
Tips (and Treats) for Training a Dog with a Sensitive Stomach
Rewarding your dog for a job well done starts to get a bit hairy when your pup has a sensitive stomach. How can you reinforce those good behaviors when typical dog treats make your pup gassy or constipated? We have 5 tips to help you train and reward your dog without the adverse side effects.
Tip #1: Use Limited-Ingredient Foods
Use limited-ingredient food for reinforcement to easily monitor what is going into your dog's digestive system. Boiled chicken and lean meats are single-ingredient and most likely high-value to your dog, so that's a win-win! Cheese is also a great, high-value treat option for most dogs, and it's super convenient to grab a bag of pre-shredded cheese and go.
You can't go wrong with meat and cheese for more challenging environments where it's a bit harder to keep your pup's brain on board — just make sure to give them small pieces; a little goes a long way with these treats. Dehydrated liver or other single-ingredient dehydrated meats are also excellent medium-value choices — and are generally less messy.
Tip #2: Incorporate a Probiotic
Give your dog a probiotic when introducing new food or treats into their diet. Probiotics can help them digest food, boost their gut's healthy bacteria, and reduce unhealthy bacteria. Probiotics are also said to aid in your dog's mental health and help with emotional regulation. Native Pet's Probiotic is especially beneficial because its powder form allows for high-quality ingredients and has prebiotic fiber to support the growth of healthy bacteria.
Tip #3: Divide and Conquer
Get more bang for your buck and cut your food reinforcement into small pieces to increase the frequency of rewards with fewer treats. This is important because we don't want to give them a stomach ache from too much of a good thing! They won't be able to tell, promise.
Tip #4: Use Your Resources
If your pup loves their kibble and their tummy tolerates it well, use it for training! Soaking it may help bring out the smell and make it more palatable for training — and you can break it up into smaller portions.
Tip #5: Stick with What Works
Once you find food reinforcement that is friendly to your dog's digestive system, stick with what works instead of regularly rotating. This is especially crucial if your vet has recommended an elimination diet, as any new proteins or ingredients can throw off the data you're collecting.
Monitoring and Adjusting Your Dog's Diet
While working with your pup, it's necessary to closely monitor their digestive health. Yes, this means paying attention to their pooping habits and watching for signs of discomfort or an allergic reaction. Aside from the more obvious indicators, like vomiting and diarrhea, keep an eye out for excessive gas, abdominal bloating, decreased appetite, lethargy, licking or itching (especially in the booty area), or sensitivity to touch in their stomach region.
Teaching your dog life skills is paramount, but their physical health comes first. They will be much better learners when they feel their best! So if your dog is feeling off, looks uncomfortable, or you are just feeling unsure, either skip your training plan for the day or try play instead of food-related training.
Dogs are always learning, and we can teach them in many ways. If you need ideas, contact a certified professional trainer who can devise a personalized plan while considering your dog's tummy issues.
Consultation with a Veterinarian
Do not hesitate to contact your veterinarian with concerns about your dog's digestive health. They can give you customized advice, recommend dietary options to help your dog, and assist you in monitoring symptomatic changes. Your vet can also rule out any underlying medical issues that could be causing your dog's digestive distress.
What this all means
When it comes to training and behavior, ensuring your dog is feeling in tip-top shape to learn is imperative. This means prioritizing your dog's physical health and well-being, flagging symptoms of stomach upset, getting your veterinarian on board, and managing what goes into their body.
Tending to a dog who has a sensitive stomach can be frustrating and just plain hard. Still, you don't have to do it alone. Building a team, practicing patience, and being consistent will set you and your dog up for a lifetime of feeling good and having fun while learning — just as it should be!
