One of the keys to successful dog training is finding the right treats to motivate and reward your pup. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to choose the best treats for your dog's training needs. That's why we've compiled a list of our top 10 favorite treats to use in dog training. From healthy and nutritious to delicious and irresistible, these treats are sure to make your dog's training sessions a success.
Our basic criteria:
Small: roughly the size of an M&M
Soft: not too soft, just not crunchy like a milkbone
Stinky: it should have a real food odor that is appealing to the dog
Healthy
Exceptions to these criteria:
Dehydrated Raw. Some could say dehydrated raw is not considered "soft," which is often correct. However, the point is that we don't want the dog to spend long periods crunching each treat. Dehydrated raw typically softens as soon as it is exposed to moisture, therefore is still able to be eaten quickly.
Patties/Bulk food: Sometimes food comes in bigger chunks, and the intent is for the trainer to break off smaller pieces. This is usually fine, just make sure you don't fall into the trap of giving larger and larger pieces.
Wants, not needs:
Not too crumbly. Sometimes in an effort to not be slimy, treats will get too crumbly. The mess isn't worth it to train with these treats, IMO.
Not too dark colored. Dark treats can get lost in the grass, dark carpets, etc. Light-colored treats don't usually get lost, even on light-colored carpets.
The List:
The list is not in any particular order. We like different treats for different reasons!
Vital Essentials is an awesome brand, all their products are very healthy. They can be a bit pricey, but dogs go nuts over these treats.
Despite some products describing themselves as "raw mixers" or something similar, these foods are still great to use as training treats. They're typically very healthy and nutritious too. Since they come as "meal toppers," or "mixers," they're usually sold in higher quantities, which means you get a better bang for your buck.
Zukes, oh Zukes. Always an old faithful. Rarely will a dog turn down Zukes. They are easily broken into even smaller pieces, extending your training capabilities quite far. We will never say no to a good bag of zukes.
Despite some products describing themselves as "raw mixers" or something similar, these foods are still great to use as training treats. They're typically very healthy and nutritious too. Since they come as "meal toppers," or "mixers," they're usually sold in higher quantities, which means you get a better bang for your buck.
This big 'ol bucket sure is cool to have around. We always keep one on top of a shelf in the living room, and we find ourselves breaking out into spontaneous training sessions quite often with this thing around.
Buddy Biscuits are a great, easy, tasty option for dogs who are prone to gaining weight.
Another basic necessity type of treat. Most trainers have a few packages of Tricky Trainers laying around the house. They're great for most dogs, but super picky dogs might turn their nose up at them.
This right here, this is the good stuff. Normally I don't buy training treats in "stick" form, but for these, I make an exception. Our dogs lose their minds over these things. I find them very very easy to rip apart, too.
Solid brand, not too expensive. The pickiest dogs will probably not eat these. Any dog with moderate food drive will think these are delicious.
PLATO Small Bites Natural Training Dog Treats Last but certainly not least, this (along with the Rocco & Roxie jerky sticks) is what our dogs go CRAZY for. This is doggie crack.
