Giving your dog the GIFT of JOY every day!

Think about the thrill of unwrapping a gift—the excitement, the anticipation, the little burst of happiness even before you see what’s inside. Or the first bite of birthday cake and the anticipation of celebrating can be more rewarding than the actual cake! Did you know your dog can feel that same kind of joy?

Just like us, dogs experience a rush of “feel-good” hormones when they anticipate a reward. That means the excitement of what’s coming—not just the reward itself—can bring your dog happiness and mental stimulation. Imagine giving your dog that feeling every single day… and the best part? You can!

Try this: hide a few pieces of your dog’s food or favorite treats around the house. Let them sniff, search, and discover—it’s fun, engaging, and taps into their natural instincts. Studies show dogs even experience a “Eureka!” effect when they figure something out—much like the satisfaction we get from solving a puzzle or learning something new.

But food isn’t just fun—it’s also a powerful tool.
*It can help your dog focus and stay engaged
*Supports learning and brain development
*It can even help with fear, anxiety, and aggression

All species share food as part of a bonding ritual so it’s good for your relationship plus food makes the brain happy!

When food is present, it can calm the emotional part of your dog’s brain, helping them shift into a more relaxed, learning-ready state. That makes it a key part of not just basic training, but also behavior modification and emotional regulation.

So how do you give your dog a gift every day?
• Play games
• Teach a new trick
• Teach your dog a new cue
• Use food rewards in creative, engaging ways

These moments may seem simple, but to your dog, they’re meaningful, exciting—and yes, a true gift every day.