Puppy Training Trail Mix

This recipe makes about 500 delicious dog training treats for class or for training and it takes only minutes to prepare.

• 25 pieces of kibble (not too much - this is a minimum wage level, stingy reward).
• 1/2 Cup of your dog's favorite "tasty" executive wage level treats (string or cubed cheese, hot dogs, Zukes mini treats, Lean Treats) cut into split pea-sized pieces.
• 1/2 cup of real meat or dog jerky type treat (steak, lunch meat, chicken)
• 1/2 cup of Natural Balance or sausage type treat
  

  Combine these ingredients and store in a covered container overnight. All the food in the container will take on the flavor of the tastiest ingredients.

Dried Hot Dogs

Cut each hot dog into four spears lengthwise, then into pieces as thick as a nickel. Spread out in a single layer on a paper towel without touching, then cover with another paper towel. I usually make six or seven layers this way.

Microwave at full power for three minutes. Check for doneness by looking at each layer—the lower layers are usually done before the top layers. The pieces of hot dog are done when they are crispy around the sides and slightly rubbery in the center. Allow to cool thoroughly before placing in a sealed container.

If you add the dried hot dogs to dry cereal like Cheerios or Rice Chex, the cereal will absorb the residual fat and odor and will be more appealing to the dog.

The great advantage to microwaving hot dogs is that they are no longer slimy, so much easier to handle.

Dried Cheese

Cut a firm cheese like Cheddar or Monterey Jack into 1/4" or smaller cubes.

Spread cheese in a single layer on paper towels on cookie sheets or trays and place in a room temperature, dry, protected location where the dogs cannot get it. Run a fan on the cheese for 24-72 hours. The exact amount of time depends on the cheese, the size of the pieces and the ambient humidity. Stir the pieces daily so all sides dry evenly.

The cheese is done when it turns a darker color and has a hard texture. The oil in the cheese will come to the surface. Roll the cubes in paper towel to rid them of excess oil. The cubes can be combined with dry cereal like Cheerios or Rice Chex, which absorb the oil and makes the cereal more appealing to the dog.

The cheese will keep for up to a month at room temperature, depending on ambient humidity, for six months in the refrigerator or a year in the freezer.

You may also be interested in the recipe for Tuna Brownies.

If you have a recipe that you would like to share, email the recipe to Sandi Pensinger.