What Treats Are Best for Training Dogs?

Every dog owner wonders, What treats are best for training dogs? This is a good question. The right treat can make it easier to teach your pup new tricks and good behavior.

I’m a dog expert at Miss Nelly’s Canine Gourmet. Today, I will share my tips for choosing the best dog training treats. Whether you have a playful puppy or a wise old dog, small, tasty, healthy treats can make training fun and effective.

Why Use Treats for Dog Training?

Treats play a significant role in positive reinforcement dog training. When your dog follows a command—like sitting or coming to you—giving them a tasty treat helps them understand they did something good. This method makes it more likely that they’ll repeat that behavior again.

Small treats grab a dog’s attention fast. They also help reinforce good behavior during training sessions, according to the American Kennel Club.

Small treats are especially useful because they’re low in calories. This means you can give many rewards without overfeeding your pup.

Using treats is also about timing. Give the treat right away. Do this within one or two seconds after the action. This helps your dog link the behavior to the reward.

What Makes a Great Training Treat?

When picking treats for training sessions, look for these key qualities:

1. Small in Size

The best training treats are tiny—about the size of a pea or a pencil eraser. Small treats let you practice many times during one session without filling up your dog. They also prevent your pup from spending too much time chewing, keeping the focus on the training task.

2. Soft and Chewy

Soft, chewy treats are important because they are eaten quickly. This keeps the pace of your training fast and fun. A crunchy treat might distract your dog with the sound or even break into crumbs that get everywhere.

Soft treats, like many of Miss Nelly’s options, are great because they break apart easily. This makes them perfect for quick training sessions.

3. Tasty and Smelly

A treat that smells and tastes great is a real “high-value” reward. Dogs love treats with strong aromas.

Your dog will be excited to earn that treat. It could be a hint of peanut butter, a burst of real meat flavor, or a bit of freeze-dried goodness. High-value treats can be incredibly motivating, especially when the training session gets challenging.

4. Healthy and Natural

Since you might be giving treats very frequently, they need to be made of wholesome, natural ingredients. Look for treats without too many artificial additives, fillers, or excess sugars. Healthy treats help support your dog’s nutrition and overall well-being. Choosing natural treats means you can feel good about rewarding your dog without worry.

5. Easy to Handle

The best treats are also easy for you to manage. They should not crumble all over the place or be too messy to keep in your pocket. Look for treats that come in convenient packages or that you can break into training-sized pieces quickly.

Types of Training Treats

There are several kinds of treats you can use during dog training. You don’t have to buy expensive treats every time—some options might even be in your kitchen!

Small Commercial Treats

Commercial training treats are specially made to be small, low in calories, and full of flavor. They’re perfect because they’re designed for fast training sessions. Many trainers use these treats because they are consistent in size and quality.

Freeze-Dried Treats

Freeze-dried treats are made from pure meat or organs, like liver or chicken. They are lightweight, easy to break into small pieces, and pack a big flavor punch that dogs love. They’re an excellent high-value treat that works well in distracting environments.

Pieces of Fresh Food

Sometimes, your own kitchen can provide a perfect training treat. Tiny bits of cooked chicken, turkey, cheese, or even a bit of apple (if your dog likes it) can work wonders. Just remember to keep the pieces small and healthy. Many dog trainers even use these options occasionally to mix things up.

Smearables for Special Uses

For some training scenarios, using a small amount of spreadable peanut butter on a spoon or inside a toy can be very effective. Just make sure the peanut butter is safe for dogs (xylitol-free!) and use it sparingly, as a high-value reward. This treat can be great for training dogs to sit still during grooming or crate training.

How to Use Treats Safely and Effectively

Even the best treats need to be given right. Here are some tips to make sure you use training treats in the best way:

• Moderation is Key: Treats should not make up more than about 10% of your dog’s daily calorie intake. Adjust your dog’s meal portions on training days if needed. Check out advice on treat moderation from VCA Animal Hospitals.

• Train on an Empty Stomach: It’s easier to train your dog when they’re a little hungry. Try doing a training session before meals so that treats are extra enticing.

• Immediate Rewards: Make sure you give the treat right after the command is obeyed. This helps your dog connect the treat to the good behavior.

• Mix Treats with Praise: Always pair a treat with cheerful praise and a pat. This combination makes your dog feel rewarded even more, and soon, they might work for both treats and affection.

• Keep it Fun: Training should be exciting and positive. Keep sessions short and upbeat, and never get frustrated if your dog doesn’t get it right immediately. Every dog learns at its own pace!

Miss Nelly’s Best Dog Training Treat Recommendations

At Miss Nelly’s Canine Gourmet, we pride ourselves on making treats that are perfect for training. Here are my top picks:

Miss Nelly’s Chicken Jerky Sticks

Our Chicken Jerky Sticks are a favorite for many trainers. They are soft, easy to tear into tiny pieces, and bursting with natural flavor.

Made with high-quality chicken from the USA, these treats have no grains or fillers. They are perfect for quick, motivating rewards. Check them out on our Chicken Jerky for Dogs page.

Miss Nelly’s Beef Jerky Sticks

For dogs that crave a richer taste, our Beef Jerky Sticks are a great choice. These treats are slow-smoked to lock in the juicy beef flavor and are made in a USDA-inspected facility. They come in soft, bite-sized pieces perfect for rapid-fire training sessions. Learn more about them on our Beef Jerky for Dogs page.

Miss Nelly’s Jerky Variety Pack

If your dog loves a bit of variety, try our Jerky Variety Pack, which includes both chicken and beef options. A mix of flavors can keep your training sessions fun and unpredictable. Visit our Best Dog Treats page for more details.

Wrapping Up

Choose small, soft, tasty, and healthy dog training treats to keep your dog eager to learn. Miss Nelly’s Canine Gourmet offers high-quality options. With patience and rewards, you can master new tricks together. Happy training—each treat contributes to a well-behaved pup!