Training your dog is a simple process. At its core, all training is simply rewarding your dog for responding to a cue with the appropriate behavior. That's it. Teaching a dog to sit is as simple as saying the command word, and giving a reward when they sit down. The more desirable the reward to your dog, theoretically, the faster they can master the behavior.
One of the best ways to reward your pup is with treats. While most dogs will be happy with anything food related, that doesn’t mean any treat can be a good training treat. You want to choose the best training treats possible for your pup. But how do you choose?
Let’s take a look at what training treats are, the benefits of using treats during training, what types of treats are available, and some tips for choosing the best training treats for your pup.
What are Training Treats?
Training treats are small, bite-sized snacks that you give to your dog as a reward for completing a desired behavior. They’re formulated to be as motivating as possible. To your dog, this means they're the tastiest, most addicting treats out there.
Training treats come in all shapes, sizes, and smells. They should be strongly scented (often the stronger the smell, the better) & flavored for maximum impact. They should also be small enough to be swallowed without chewing. This way your dog gets an immediate strong scent and flavor as a reward while also being ready for the next treat. Semi-moist treats are an easy way to produce this effect for your dog as the moisture aids in that quick flavor pop; also, freeze-dried meat treats can offer similar intensity (just without the moisture). All types of training treats, regardless of size or composition, should be low-calorie so that they can be given often without becoming more than 10% of your dog's diet.
Benefits of Using Training Treats
When training, the reward for your dog can be anything they’re driven by—a toy, some rough play time, a scratch behind the ear, a word of praise, or a treat. How quickly your dog masters this command/response behavior can be influenced by the strength of the reward. Because most dogs are extremely food driven, the most rewarding thing for them is likely to be a treat.
And in general, the smellier, the tastier, the better and more rewarding the treat.
With treats, you can more easily and quickly reward your dog when they perform the command in a timely and correct manner, offering a better response than if you use verbal praise or a toy.
The most important reason why you should use treats when training a dog is that they provide an immediate reward. When training a dog, the reward needs to be timely and consistent,there is no better way to do this than with a treat. Treats can be given in the exact moment when good behavior is displayed and instantly reinforces it.
In addition to offering an immediate reward, treats also provide a more tangible reward for the dog. With treats, dogs are more likely to understand the reward system, since they can physically see the reward they are getting. As a result, treats are more effective when training and help create a better bond between you and your pet.
Finally, treats can be tailored to your specific goals. You can use a variety of treats depending on the behavior you are trying to reward. For example, if you are trying to teach your dog to sit, you can use a high-value food treat. For teaching them to stay, you could use a toy or low-value treat. This allows you to customize the reward system to the specific behavior and helps your dog understand which behaviors you are looking for.
Types of Training Treats
When it comes to selecting the best training treats for your pup, there are a variety of different types to choose from. Here are some of the most popular types of training treats:
Soft treats – These treats are easy to swallow and hit the taste buds instantly. They come in a variety of flavors. Soft treats are great for puppies and older dogs that may have trouble chewing harder treats.
Freeze-dried treats – Freeze-dried treats are great because they’re full of flavor and they’re easy to break into small pieces. They are also a good option for dogs on a limited diet!
Dehydrated treats – Dehydrated treats are great for dogs that may not be able to eat soft treats, chew hard treats, or need a treat made from a single high-quality ingredient.
Considerations When Choosing the Best Training Treats for Your Dog
When selecting the best training treats for your pup, there are a few important things to consider. Here are some tips for choosing the best training treats for your pup:
Choose treats that are small and easy to swallow without chewing. You want to make sure that your pup can easily eat and digest the treats, so it’s best to avoid large, hard treats during your training sessions.
Choose treats that are high in protein and low in fat. High-protein treats provide your pup with the energy and nutrition they need, while low-fat treats won’t add unnecessary calories to their diet.
Choose treats that are made from natural, high-quality ingredients. Avoid treats that are made from artificial flavors and colors, as these can be unhealthy for your pup.
The Importance of Using Healthy, High-Quality Training Treats
Depending on how complicated the behavior is to train, you may need to use a lot of treats. Because of this, it’s important to choose healthy, high-quality treats for your pup. These High quality natural ingredients add nutrition rather than just empty calories. Not only will this help them stay healthy, but it will also help them learn faster and stay motivated during training.
High-quality treats are made from natural ingredients that are rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals. These treats are also low in fat, sugar, and artificial ingredients, which can be unhealthy for your pup. Additionally, high-quality treats are designed to break easily into smaller pieces, which makes them easier for your pup to eat.
Tips for Selecting the Best Training Treat for Your Dog
When selecting the best training treats for your pup, it’s important to consider the size of the treat, the ingredients, and the nutritional value. Here are some tips for selecting the best training treat for your pup:
Choose treats that are small and intensely flavored. This will make it easier for your pup to eat the treats and digest them quickly.
Make sure the treats are made from natural, high-quality ingredients. Avoid treats that are made from artificial flavors or colors.
Look for treats that are high in protein and low in fat. High-protein treats will provide your pup with the energy and nutrition they need, while low-fat treats won’t add unnecessary calories to their diet.
How to Keep Training Treats Fresh
To ensure that your pup’s treats stay fresh, it’s important to store them properly. Here are some tips for keeping training treats fresh:
Store the treats in an airtight container or if the treats come in a resealable bag, you can simply keep them in their original packaging. This will help to keep the treats fresh and prevent them from going stale.
If you use a treat carrier or belt pouch to carry your treats with you, wash it at least once every week.
Store the treats in a cool, dry place. Avoid storing the treats in a warm or humid environment, as this can cause the treats to spoil.
Make sure to check the expiration date on the package. If the treats are past their expiration date, discard them immediately.
For Example, Our Kahoots tricksters are commonly used for training. We package them in a resealable bag to keep them as fresh as possible. The best types of training treats maintain their texture and smell over time. This ensures that they're optimally motivating for any dog.
Bottom Line
Choosing the best training treats for your pup can be a difficult task, but it’s an important part of the training process. Treats can be a great motivator for your pup, and they can help create a positive association with the training process. When selecting the best training treats for your pup, make sure to consider the size of the treat, the ingredients, and the nutritional value. Additionally, make sure to store the treats properly to ensure that they stay fresh. With these tips in mind, you can find the perfect training treats for your pup.