18/08/2025
🐾 “My dog takes treats at home, but not on walks – why?!” 🐾
This is a really common question I hear from dog owners, and the good news is… your dog isn’t being “stubborn”! Here’s what might be going on:
✨ Different environments, different brains.
At home, your dog is relaxed and can focus. Outside, there are new smells, sounds, people, and dogs – it’s like stepping into a theme park! Their brain is busy processing all that information, so food suddenly isn’t as interesting.
✨ Stress & excitement affect appetite.
Just like we might not feel like eating when we’re nervous or overstimulated, dogs sometimes can’t take food when their arousal levels are high.
So what can you do?
✅ Start small – practice in quieter, less distracting places before moving to busier environments.
✅ Upgrade your treats – what works in the kitchen might not cut it on a busy street! Try soft, smelly, high-value options.
✅ Work under threshold – if your dog is too stressed or excited to eat, take a step back. Create distance and let them calm down.
✅ Reward differently – if food isn’t working, try praise, play, sniff breaks, or moving away from what’s overwhelming.
Remember: refusing treats is communication. It’s your dog saying, “This is a lot right now.” Listening to that is the first step to building confidence outside. 💛
