If you live with dogs, you know that sharing life with them brings a mix of silliness, chaos, and moments that really stick with you. My dogs Bella and Pedro are basically my furry life coaches, especially when it comes to patience, finding joy in regular days, and getting creative in the kitchen with homemade dog treats.
What My Dogs Taught Me About Patience, Joy, and Homemade Treats
Before Bella and Pedro, patience wasn’t my strong suit. These two fluffy bundles of joy have taught me more than any book ever could—especially about slowing down, being present, and finding happiness in the little things… like waiting for a batch of homemade dog treats to cool.
There’s something deeply humbling about watching your dog sit, tail wagging, as they wait for you to hand over something they love. It’s like they’re telling you, “I trust you. I know it’s worth it.”
How My Dogs Taught Me Patience
Bella, with her curious sniffing, and Pedro, with his soulful eyes and slow, deliberate moves, made me slow down—whether I wanted to or not. Waiting for them on walks, waiting for them to decide where to sit, waiting for them to finally understand the command I repeated 38 times—it all forced me to breathe, pause, and truly be in the moment.
They don’t hurry through life like we do. And somehow, they made me want to match their pace.
Waiting on Treats (and Life) to Cool Down
One sunny afternoon, I pulled a fresh batch of natural dog treats from the oven. Bella sat by the counter, ears perked, while Pedro stared like a statue with laser focus. But they didn’t jump. They didn’t bark. They just waited.
That’s when it hit me—they were more patient than I was. I was rushing through baking, huffing at the timer, multitasking with peanut flour on my hands. But they were calm and trusting. Somehow, they knew that good things come to those who wait. Especially when it smells like peanut butter and banana.
Why I Switched to Healthy Homemade Dog Treats
Making treats at home means I know exactly what Bella and Pedro are getting. No fillers, no preservatives—just real food, made with love. Check out our favorite homemade dog treat recipes here.
These small acts of care have made them healthier, and me happier.
We now regularly make things like:
And honestly? The process itself is healing. There’s joy in mixing ingredients by hand, in shaping each cookie, in hearing the crunch of the first bite. It’s no longer just a task—it’s a shared ritual.
Using parchment paper (like this baking parchment I recommend) makes clean-up so much easier!
What My Dogs Gave Me in Return
They reminded me that joy doesn’t have to be loud. It can be found in a quiet moment, in the soft flop of paws on the kitchen floor, or in the way Pedro gently nudges my hand when he wants another bite.
They’ve taught me:
- To pause more.
- To celebrate small wins.
- That patience isn’t waiting—it’s trusting the process.
- That life’s best memories are often built in the slow, quiet moments.
Oh, and also that the best recipes often come from trial and error… and sometimes burning the first batch. (They didn’t mind.)
Want to Try Our Favorite Treat Recipe?
👉 Download the PDF version here to get Bella and Pedro’s favorite Peanut Banana Biscuits! Perfect for dogs who deserve something special (which is… all of them).
Let’s Keep Learning Together
Whether you’re already making healthy dog treats or just starting your journey, I hope Bella and Pedro’s lessons bring a little more joy and patience to your home too.
🐾 FAQ – Homemade Dog Treats and Life With Dogs
Q: Are homemade dog treats better for dogs?
A: Yes! When you make treats at home, you can avoid preservatives, artificial flavors, and allergens. Plus, your pup will love the taste of something made just for them.
Q: What are the best ingredients for healthy dog treats?
A: Pumpkin, oats, carrots, chicken, spinach, and peanut butter (no xylitol) are dog-approved and nutrient-rich.
I always use organic pumpkin puree and xylitol-free peanut butter to keep Bella and Pedro’s treats safe and healthy.
💬 What About You?
Has your dog taught you a life lesson? Share it in the comments—I’d love to hear your story.
Or better yet, tag me on Facebook or Pinterest @WoofWellnessBites with your homemade creations!
To more tail wags and warm biscuits,
Marija & the Woof Wellness Bites Crew