Are you about to start training your dog and wondering what to use for dog training treats? Or maybe you have already started training your dog and can’t find the right treat to motivate your dog…
As a dog parent, one of the most important aspects of training your fur baby is finding the right treats that works for them.
Treats are an essential tool to motivate and reward your pup throughout the training process. However, with so many options available on the market, it can be challenging to determine what will work best for your pup.
Today, I’m going to cover a few basics and give you 4 tips on what to consider when selecting treats for training your dog. We will also discuss high value treats vs low value treats and I’ll give you examples of each so that you can choose the right training treats for your dog.
What is Training Treats?
Training treats are small, tasty snacks that are used to reward and reinforce positive behavior during training sessions with dogs or other pets.
They are bite-sized and made of high-quality ingredients, such as real meat or cheese, and have a strong aroma that is appealing to the animal.
Training treats can be a highly effective tool for teaching pets new commands, encouraging good behavior, and strengthening the bond between pet parent/s and their fur babies.
What is the Difference Between Training Treats and Regular Treats?
Training treats are specifically designed for use during training sessions and differ from regular treats in a few ways…
Training treats are bite-sized, making them perfect for rewarding good behavior in small bites quickly. While regular treats are usually larger in size and varies in texture from hard to soft.
They also have a strong scent that is appealing to grab their attention faster and motivate them to want to learn. Training treats are consumed much more quickly than when you give your dog a regular treat.
Typically, training treats have a lower calorie content than regular treats, which is important since dogs will be receiving multiple treats during a single training session.
It is important to use lower-calorie training treats to help prevent overfeeding and to keep your dog at a healthy weight.
Training treats are made with simple, high-quality ingredients that are easy to digest.
This helps ensure that the treats are gentle on the dog’s stomach and won’t cause any digestive issues, especially during an intense training session when the dog will be consuming multiple treats in a short period of time.
Tip #1: Training Treat Ingredients
One of the best training treats and very common among dog trainers is regular cooked chicken. You don’t even have to season it.
When buying training treats…
Look for treats made with high-quality ingredients that are both healthy and appealing to your dog i.e. liver, salmon, beef, etc.
Avoid dog training treats that are high in calories, fat and contain artificial additives, preservatives, and fillers such as corn, wheat, and soy. These fillers can be rough on your dog’s stomach.
Choose treats that have natural ingredients like meat, fruits, and vegetables, and are free from any harmful chemicals.
Tip #2: The Size and Texture of the Treats
The ideal training treats should be small enough for your dog to consume quickly and not distract them from training.
The texture of the treats must also be soft and chewy so that dogs your dog can eat them quickly and easily.
It’s best to use training treats that you do not have to break a part yourself…
This is because when you have to take the time to break the treat a part, you may be missing the exact moment that you need to mark your dog’s behavior. Also, when you break small, soft treats apart, they usually crumble and this takes away from your dog’s focus as he is trying to find every crumb he can.
Large, hard treats pose a choking hazard, and can also be challenging for your dog to eat quickly while staying focused on training.
If your dog is having to break their attention to eat or it is taking more than a second or two to eat their treat then it is too large and/or hard.
Tip #3: Taste
Just like us humans, every dog has their taste preferences, so it’s crucial to find treats that your dog enjoys and finds oh-so-tasty!
I had a dog who didn’t like beef so he would snarl his nose up to anything beef flavored. Instead, he preferred liver, salmon, or chicken.
During training, be sure to offer a mix of high and low-value treats. We will discuss this more in a second.
Tip# 4: Your Dog’s Dietary Needs
If your dog is on a special diet or has food sensitivities, be sure to select treats that are appropriate for their needs.
You can also consult with your veterinarian to advise on what treats to use if you are unsure of what is best for your dog.
High Value Dog Training Treats Vs Low Value
When it comes to choosing training treats for your dog, there are two main categories: high-value and low-value treats. As I mentioned a second a go, you should offer a mix of high value and low value training treats.
High-value dog training treats:
These treats are usually small, soft, and have a strong smell and taste which makes them more enticing to the dog than its regular kibble or treats.
These treats are usually protein-based, such as meat, cheese, or fish, and are packed with flavor and nutrition.
High-value treats are often used for training more challenging behaviors or in situations with high distractions.
Examples of high-value dog training treats might include small pieces of cooked chicken, cheese, or dried liver.
Low-value dog training treats:
These treats are typically less smelly and less tasty than high-value treats and are usually lower in calories.
They are often used for general training, where the behavior is already learned or in situations with low distractions.
Examples of low-value dog training treats can include pieces of dry dog food, plain popcorn, or small pieces of carrot.
It’s recommended to use high-value treats for situations where intense motivation is needed, such as training a new behavior or in distracting environments.
Low-value treats can still be beneficial for general training and reinforcing previously learned behaviors.
Always make sure that the treats you choose are healthy and appropriate for your dog’s dietary needs and take into account their age, size, and any health issues they may have.
Conclusion
Choosing the right treats for dog training is crucial to your dog’s success while learning new commands and behaviors.
When selecting treats, always consider the ingredients, size and texture, taste, and your dog’s dietary needs.
By keeping all these factors in mind, you can find the perfect treats to help motivate, reward, and ultimately train your dog.
If you have any questions or comments leave them below. If you found this post helpful, let me know or give it a share!
Happy Training!
