Not the same old training treats

Now that the days are longer and for the most part, the snow has melted, we start thinking about the summer ahead.  For those of us who love to train and maybe even trial, we're even more anxious to come out of "hibernation". 
Our flyball and agility instructor, Jen is a great example of someone who loves to train and trial.  All of Jen's dogs play multiple sports - flyball, agility, dock jumping are her favourites.  Jen knows that:

• It takes a lot of treats to train multiple dogs in multiple sports.  
• Using a variety of training rewards is a good way of keeping your dog engaged.

Many of us supplement the store purchased treats with homemade goodies.  Some of my favourites are:

• Salmon patties (recipe below)
  
• Meatballs (recipe below)
  
• Tuna Fudge
  
• Hot dogs (sliced into rounds, place on a parchment lined cookie sheet and bake until firm)
  
• Cheese
• Spam (cubed, place on a parchment lined cookie sheet and bake until firm)
  

When Java was on a restricted diet, I took her canned food and made treats out of it (cubed, place on a parchment lined cookie sheet and bake until firm).

Got a favourite recipe that you're willing to share?  Send it in and I'll include it in my next post!

Salmon patties

• 1 can salmon, drained and smashed up with a fork
  
• 1 egg, beaten
  
• Italian bread crumbs
  

Mix all the ingredients together - add enough bread crumbs to bind.  Make into little patties.  Bake on a parchment lined cookie sheet at 350 until firm but not hard.  Store when cooled in a sealed container in the fridge.  Patties can also be frozen.

Meatballs
This is super simple.  Take lean ground meat (I use chicken or beef) and make little balls.  Bake on a parchment lined cookie sheet at 350 until they are cooked.  Store when cooled in a sealed container in the fridge or freezer.