Free treats for your pets at Jollyes this Halloween

Who’s training who? 48% of pet owners admit their furry friend has trained them to hand over extra treats.

72% of pet owners admit to giving their pets a treat without asking them to perform a trick first
Nearly half (48%) of dog owners have been won over by puppy-dog eyes; 64% of cat owners by meowing
Almost a third (30%) of dog owners have caught their dog trying to eat Halloween sweets or chocolate, yet 21% of owners say their pet still doesn’t know “drop it”
And almost a quarter (21%) of Brits believe cats can’t learn tricks!
Jollyes is putting pets’ skills to the test this Halloween with “trick or treat” stations in stores across the country
Dog customers can perform a trick in exchange for a natural treat, giving them their own chance to join in the Halloween fun

Pets might not be able to knock on doors this Halloween, but it seems they’ve already worked out how to get what they want, with almost half (48%) of owners admitting their pet has trained them to hand over extra treats.

New research from Jollyes Pets reveals who really calls the shots when the treat cupboard opens, as the pet retailer prepares to launch “trick or treat” stations in stores across the country this Halloween, where participating dogs can perform a trick in exchange for a natural pig ear.

The study of 1,000 UK dog and cat owners found that 72% regularly give their pet treats without asking them to perform a trick. Dog owners admit they’ve been won over by a well-timed paw (44%) or a set of irresistible puppy-dog eyes (48%). Whilst cat owners are easily persuaded by a well-timed meow (64%).

Six in ten (60%) owners admit they sometimes sneak their pet a treat when no one is looking. Pet owners in Northern Ireland are the most likely to sneak a treat (82%), compared with 77% of the Scots, over half (53%) of Londoners, and 46% of Welsh owners.

And while some pets have mastered the art of getting treats without lifting a paw, others have earned their rewards the old-fashioned way. Almost half (45%) can give a paw or shake hands, one in five (20%) can spin around in a circle, and 29% can high-five. Cats’ abilities may also be underestimated, almost a quarter (21%) of Brits believe cats cannot learn tricks, despite 59% of cat owners claiming their feline can perform tricks of their own, such as sitting up on their hind legs and begging.

But when it comes to useful commands, there’s still some work to be done. Three in 10 (30%) dog owners have caught their pooch trying to eat Halloween sweets or chocolate. Yet 21% say their canine companion does not know the “drop it” cues. With households stocking up on Halloween treats, Jollyes is encouraging owners to practise useful cues such as “drop it” as part of everyday training, while always keeping human treats securely out of pets’ reach.

To put our pets' tricks to the test this Halloween, Jollyes is setting up “trick or treat” stations across all 128* stores on Saturday 31st October. Owners can bring their dogs along to show off their best trick, or simply arrive in their cutest Halloween costume or accessory to receive a free natural treat, which features as part of Jollyes natural treats range.

More than a third (36%) of Brits plan to dress their pet up this year, with pumpkins being the most popular costume. Around one in six (17%) will spend more on their pet’s costume than their own, with 16% of Brits admitting they will create a matching costume with their furry friend.

And while pets may have trained their humans to hand over the goods, Jollyes is reminding owners that not all treats are created equal. From pigs’ ears to lamb trotters, Jollyes range of natural dog treats may look like something from a Halloween horror film, but offers a pet-friendly alternative to sharing human sweets.

Jollyes Pets’ natural treat offerings start from just 25p and span everything from ostrich, chicken feet, pigs ears to deer legs and other natural chews, giving dogs plenty to sniff out and owners plenty of choice when it comes to treat time. Almost a third (30%) of dog owners buy natural treats such as pigs’ ears regularly. Fewer than 1 in 10 (9%) admit to finding them a bit gross to handle. Despite the way they look, these treats have plenty of health benefits, including dental, joint, and mental enrichment whilst being easily digestible.

Sean McGinty, Chief Marketing Officer at Jollyes Pets said: “Pets might not be knocking on doors this Halloween, but many already know exactly how to persuade us to open the treat cupboard. We want our Trick or Treat stations to be a fun way to celebrate their talents, whether that’s a simple sit or something a little more surprising. When it comes to the reward, choosing the right treat matters. Some of our natural dog treats might look a little gruesome, but Halloween is a great opportunity to think about what goes into our pets’ treat bowls, as well as our own.”

With Halloween approaching, Neil Fairhurst, Dog Food and Treats Buyer at Jollyes, has shared their top tips for keeping pets safe, comfortable and content during the spooky season.

Keep treats out of reach - Chocolate, sweets and other human treats can be harmful to pets, so keep Halloween hauls safely out of paws’ reach.
Give them their own treat - Let pets join in with a safe, natural chew such as a pig ear while the family enjoys their Halloween stash! Remember, all treats should be supervised to avoid any potential choking.
Prepare for trick-or-treaters - Keep pets somewhere calm and secure away from the front door to avoid them becoming unsettled by knocks, doorbells and unfamiliar faces - our Dog Anxiety Bed or Yakers Chew provides instant distraction and comfort for pups and for our feline friends, the Feliway Calming Spray helps provide calm.
Keep costumes and decorations pet-safe - If dressing your pet up, make sure they’re comfortable and keep candles and decorations away from curious paws.

To find your local Jollyes Pets store, visit the Jollyes website.

Natural Treats are available in all stores now. The range includes everything from rabbit ears and ostrich feet to beef trachea and venison sausages, with treats starting from just 25p. Jollyes encourages owners to choose treats suited to their pet’s species, size, age and dietary needs, follow feeding guidance and account for treats and rewards within their pet’s daily food allowance.