PetsCareLab

Dog training plays an essential role in responsible dog ownership. Beyond mastering basic commands like sit, stay, and roll over, a well-trained dog understands how to behave politely around strangers, other animals, and in new environments.

Positive reinforcement stands at the heart of effective dog training, and many pet owners rely on tasty dog treats to encourage good behavior and responses in their furry friends. However, with an overwhelming variety of dog treats available on the market, how can you confidently choose the best dog training treats tailored to your pup’s needs?

How Do Treats Influence Training?

At its core, in positive reinforcement training, dog treats serve as the prized reward for exhibiting good behavior. “When training a dog, this reward can be anything that the dog values most. We trainers favor food because nearly all dogs find food extremely motivating, plus it’s conveniently pocket-sized,” explains a certified professional dog trainer and behavior consultant at Petscarelab.

While some dogs respond well to ordinary kibble, more complex behaviors and challenging training scenarios often require upgrading to higher-value training treats.

A veterinary behavior expert from Petscarelab points out that as a dog’s surroundings become more distracting, the motivational value of the training treat needs to increase to keep their focus sharp.

“In general, the busier the environment, the more enticing the treat must be. You need a reward that captures the dog’s attention and keeps them engaged throughout the training,” the expert explains.

Clearly, dog treats are indispensable for positive reinforcement training, but what qualities should you look for in the perfect training treat?

What Qualities Define an Excellent Dog Training Treat?

In general, any treat your dog eagerly responds to can serve well in training, but our experts at Petscarelab recommend considering a few important factors.

“Training treats should be soft and bite-sized — about the size of a pencil eraser or even smaller. Quickly consumable treats keep the training flow smooth, so avoid crunchy biscuits that take longer to chew,” advises our dog trainer.

She also emphasizes that treat size should remain small regardless of your dog’s size. “We don’t give giant treats to big dogs — everyone gets tiny morsels,” she notes.

Our veterinary behavior specialist adds that treats with a strong aroma are particularly effective, as scent naturally grabs a dog’s interest. “Cheese is a classic example. Even a tiny cube leaves a noticeable smell on your hands, which many dogs find irresistible.”

In addition to cheese, he recommends highly fragrant dried fish flakes that catch a pet’s attention without impacting their diet significantly.

Both experts agree on the importance of balancing treats within your dog’s overall nutrition to prevent unnecessary weight gain. According to our trainer, real meat treats are your best bet for maintaining a healthy balance.

Examples include freshly cooked chicken, deli meats, freeze-dried dog foods, or premium options like PureBites chicken breast freeze-dried treats or Halo’s grain-free wild salmon freeze-dried treats. “Just like for people, real meat treats typically have fewer calories than processed alternatives,” she explains.

For regular training sessions or dogs needing to slim down, consider healthy low-calorie treats like apple slices or baby carrots to keep calories in check.

How to Identify the Best Training Treat for Your Dog

Understanding what makes a great training treat is valuable, but discovering which treat your dog prefers still requires some experimentation.

“It really comes down to trial and error to see which treat your dog finds most motivating,” says our trainer.

She suggests using one treat type consistently for a few days while watching for any digestive upset. If your dog responds well, gradually introduce new or higher-value treats one at a time.

Our behavior expert adds, “Your dog will clearly show you which treats they prefer. Those are the rewards they’ll work hardest to earn. If they’re not interested, they simply won’t perform.”

With patience and attention, you’ll find the perfect training treats to inspire your furry friend to learn and succeed.