You’re on the couch watching your favourite Netflix series. It’s late, and next to you is a bowl of cookies practically calling your name. Being the generous soul you are, you know it would taste even better if shared. That’s where the furball curled up beside you makes its cameo appearance.

They don’t really need it, but those eyes! You love them to bits and bits of biscuits, love them right back. Your heart melts, unlike the chocolate chip that never makes it to your mouth, snatched mid-air by an expertly timed doggy intercept.

Welcome to Treat Culture, where sharing food has become a lifestyle. For many of us, it’s deeply tied to how we show affection, comfort. Sharing is caring, as we release ‘happy hormones’ when we give. 

Agreed, refusing something when you feel that paw gently tapping your leg, followed by a twist and roll with a smile behind the ears, because they know you were already sold at the first tap. The tail wags are complementary. 

“Just One More” – The Sweetest Mistake

Under most circumstances, just one more won’t make a difference, but sometimes it does. 

Have you ever heard about the principle of stacking? Just one extra bite at a time, just one treat per movie night, just one pizza crust after dinner won’t hurt, but just one more every day will make a difference in the end. Behind every extra cookie is a silent, sneaky consequence. 

It’s rarely a dramatic transformation, but one that slowly sneaks in through snug harnesses, longer naps, and less energy for fetch. The transformation is slow, subtle, and often hard to spot—especially when your dog has mastered the art of sitting, begging, and tilting their head like a four-legged Oscar winner.

Who said being a good dog parent was going to be easy?

Next time the urge to give “just one more” strikes, add a twist: make them move for it. Toss the treat a few feet away. Get those paws in motion. Two seconds later, they’re back at your feet, happily working as your personal heater again—but with a tiny bit more exercise logged.

Or, replace the cookie, treat, pizza crust after ‘just one more’ with walks, play, cuddle, and even train (you should know how much most dogs love the 1 one 1 attention of training). Your beloved canine friend will love you longer and more intensely than ever before. 

Want to show your love without the love handles?

Avoid that, just one day, the vet gently says, “We might need to talk about their weight.” The good news is that you’re still in control. Your love hasn’t gone to waste; it just needs to be redirected. Small changes, made consistently, can lead to a lifetime of wagging tails and joyful zoomies.

Visit www.dogbesity.com for happy tails and healthier trails. Let’s turn “treat culture” into a celebration of movement, joy, and long walks together. Because love should last as long as possible. And so should your dog.

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