How to Make Your Own Barkcuterie Board

What is a barkcuterie board?

Have you ever had a charcuterie board at brunch? It's a yummy spread of meats, cheeses, and other tasty treats that are perfect for a friends or family gathering. Well, did you know that you can make a charcuterie board for your dog too? Not only is it a fun and creative way to treat your pup, but it's also an excellent way to identify what treats your dog likes best for training.

What are high-value treats?

Positive reinforcement training is all about reinforcing good behavior, and using high-value treats is an excellent way of making sure your pup is motivated to learn. A high-value treat is something your dog really loves, like small pieces of cooked chicken, cheese, or even freeze-dried liver. These treats are more valuable to your dog than regular kibble or store-bought treats, so they can keep your dog motivated and focused on training, even in distracting environments.

How do I make one?

Every dog's taste is different, so while one treat might be highly reinforcing for one dog, the next might not think it's so reinforcing. So, how can you figure out what treats your dog loves the most? That's where the dog charcuterie board comes in! Here's how to make one:

Step 1: Choose Your Board

First things first, you'll need a board to serve your dog's treats on. You can use a wooden cutting board, a plate, or even a baking sheet. Just make sure it's something that's easy to clean and won't break if your dog decides to give it a little nibble.

Step 2: Select Your Treats

Now it's time to choose your dog's favorite treats! You can include a variety of meats, cheeses, and fruits and vegetables. Just make sure that everything you include is safe for dogs to eat. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Cooked chicken or turkey

• Sliced deli meat (make sure it's low in sodium)

• Cheese (go for something low in lactose, like cheddar or mozzarella)

• Carrots

• Blueberries

• Green beans

• Peanut butter (make sure it doesn't contain xylitol)

Step 3: Arrange Your Treats

Now it's time to get creative and arrange your treats on the board! You can slice everything up into bite-sized pieces.

Step 4: Let Your Dog Explore

Once your board is complete, it's time to let your dog explore! Put the board down on the floor and let your pup sniff around and investigate. As they try each treat, take note of what they seem to like best. These are the treats that you can use for training sessions, as they'll be the most motivating for your pup.

The dog charcuterie board is a fun and creative way to treat your dog and identify their favorite high-value treats for training. Remember, positive reinforcement training is all about reinforcing good behavior, so be sure to use these treats to reinforce your dog and encourage them to continue learning and growing along their training journey. Happy snacking!