Training treats provide your pup with high-value rewards that encourage him or her to pay attention during training sessions. They should be small and soft for easy biting/chewing by your pet.
Zuke’s Mini Naturals are a favorite. Each bite-sized treat weighs only two calories and offers multiple flavor varieties; plus they’re wheat and preservative free making them a healthier option for many dogs.
Contents
Nonperishable
When training your dog, high-value rewards can provide additional motivation. Be sure that these treats fit seamlessly with clicker training, are easy to dispense, and adhere to any dietary restrictions your pup may have.
Opt for treats that can be eaten quickly without choking, are chewy for both older dogs and teething puppies, are low-calorie treats and feature one ingredient with no fillers, additives or gluten. When selecting training treats it’s also a good idea to look out for those that use fillers, additives or gluten – they may make great training tools!
Buddy Biscuit Training Chews, made in the US using farm-raised chicken and organic ingredients, are an increasingly popular option. Greenies dental chews also are recommended by veterinarians as an effective solution to control tartar and plaque accumulation; these delicious nonperishable treats come in an assortment of flavors!
Natural
Dogs tend to be food motivated, making treats an effective tool in positive-reinforcement training sessions. Just be sure to offer low-calorie options – too many training treats could lead to weight gain and chronic health problems in your pup!
Zuke’s Mini Naturals make an excellent clicker training option, as their bite-size pieces make them easy for dogs to toss, chew and swallow. Made with only one ingredient and providing around two calories per treat!
Wellness CORE offers freeze-dried treats similar to human jerky that come in several flavors such as salmon, duck and rabbit. While more costly than some options on this list, these three calorie treats provide ample incentive for rewarding behavior during long training sessions without adding significantly to your dog’s daily calorie consumption.
Variety
Your dog will benefit greatly from having training treats with various flavors, textures, and scents on hand in order to motivate their performance during long training sessions while simultaneously relieving boredom and preventing them from becoming disengaged from training sessions. Doing this will reduce boredom while keeping your puppy engaged throughout.
Choose training treats of pea-size so your dog can gulp them down quickly without choking, which also make great treats for teething puppies and senior dogs.
Many dogs love stinky treats, so choose options with an appealing aroma like jerky, hot dogs or string cheese for rewarding large breed training sessions that require additional motivation. This high-value treats stimulate senses and capture attention; making them great training rewards.
All-natural, single-ingredient treats provide high-value training rewards. ValuePack Beef Liver Lovers treats are ideal for rewarding training. Their chewy texture, crunchy exterior, and strong liver scent help maintain focus during sessions, with less calories consumed per treat than other jerky options and no added fillers, preservatives or flavors added compared to traditional options.
Easy to carry
When training your dog during walks or visits to a trainer, a treat pouch is an effective way to keep track of treats so they don’t get misplaced. By attaching these treat pouches securely to leashes, belts or collars you can easily distribute snacks during training sessions – not forgetting its ability to motivate and uplift them during those important moments!
Training treats should fit easily into your pouch, according to a Daily Paws commerce editor. Even for large dogs, pea-sized treats should suffice; smaller treats also eliminate any risk associated with larger treats choking hazards.
Use Carolina Prime Pet’s Tricky Trainer treats to keep your pup focused during walks or to teach commands. Made from real Alaskan salmon and chicken, they fit easily in any treat pouch you use for training sessions – not too many calories here either!
