Best Training Treats for Puppies & Dogs
Puppy Training Success: Finding the Perfect Treats for Your Dog
Training a puppy is both a challenge and a joy. One of the most effective methods in your training toolkit is the use of dog treats as positive reinforcement. But not all treats are equally effective. Choosing the right kind of treat can make the difference between a distracted pup and an attentive learner. This guide explores how to choose the best treats for dog training, what professional trainers use, and what works best at different stages of a dog’s development.
What Kind of Treats Do Dog Trainers Use?
Professional dog trainers often rely on "high-value" treats. These are treats that are irresistible to dogs and can hold their attention even in distracting environments. Qualities of effective training treats include:
Small and easy to chew quickly
Soft in texture
Made with real meat or single-source protein
Strong aroma
Examples include freeze-dried liver, cooked chicken pieces, or products like the Absolute Holistic Grain Free Jerky Treats for Dogs. These treats are grain-free, made from natural ingredients, and easy to break into small pieces—perfect for fast-paced training sessions.
Why Use Treats in Dog Training?
Treats are an excellent form of positive reinforcement. According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), dogs are more likely to repeat behaviors that are rewarded. Using treats helps:
Build a strong association between commands and actions
Reinforce desired behavior quickly
Encourage focus and enthusiasm
Treats are especially useful in the early stages of training when your puppy is still learning what’s expected of them.
Treats for Training Puppies
Puppies have different needs than adult dogs, especially during their rapid growth phases. The ideal puppy training treat should be:
Extra small and soft
Easily digestible
Free from artificial additives
Soft training treats like Absolute Bites Freeze-Dried Chicken Breast are great for puppies. They’re made with just one ingredient—real meat—making them gentle on sensitive stomachs and highly palatable.
Avoid treats that are too large or crunchy, as they may be hard for puppies to chew and swallow. Also, ensure you count treat calories as part of your puppy’s daily food intake to prevent overfeeding.
What Are the Best Treats for Recall Training?
Recall training—teaching your dog to return to you when called—is one of the most critical safety skills. To build a strong and reliable recall response, use ultra-high-value treats that your dog cannot resist.
Great options include:
Small cubes of boiled chicken
Freeze-dried liver
High-value jerky snacks
Tiny portions of cheese (in moderation)
The goal is to make coming back to you the most rewarding thing your dog can do. According to VCA Animal Hospitals, high-reward treats significantly improve success in recall training.
How Often Should You Use Treats in Training?
At the beginning of training, treats should be given every time the correct behavior is performed. This immediate reinforcement builds a strong behavioral association. Over time, as your dog learns the behavior, you can begin to reduce the frequency of treats and move toward intermittent reinforcement.
This strategy maintains the behavior without making your dog treat-dependent. You can also begin to replace treats with praise, petting, or a favorite toy.
Additional Tips for Successful Treat-Based Training
Use a treat pouch: This allows quick access during sessions, keeping momentum and focus.
Mix treat types: Occasionally surprise your dog with a different flavor or texture to maintain interest.
Keep sessions short: Dogs, especially puppies, have short attention spans. Keep training sessions under 10 minutes.
Train in different environments: Practice commands in quiet areas first, then gradually add distractions.
Monitor calorie intake: Treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calories.
Internal Product Spotlight: Absolute Holistic Jerky Treats
For owners looking for a reliable, healthy, and flavorful treat, Absolute Holistic Jerky Treats offer a great solution. These treats are:
Grain-free
Made from premium cuts of meat
Packed with flavor
Easy to break into training-sized bits
Their strong aroma and soft texture make them a favorite for both puppies and adult dogs.
Final Thoughts
The right treats can transform your dog training experience from frustrating to successful. Always consider your dog's age, dietary needs, and personal preferences. With the right combination of timing, consistency, and reward, your pup will be well on their way to becoming a well-trained companion.
To explore more dog treats and training tools, visit B2K Pet Treats.
