If you’ve ever tried teaching a dog to sit or a cat to wait at the door, you know just how fast they catch on when a treat is involved. But, as much as any pet enjoys a reward, giving them the right treat at the right time is more of an art than a science. Or, maybe a little of both. At Dogtown, we see firsthand how the perfect treat can turn a distracted pup into an eager student. So, how do you pick the best training treat without guessing? Let’s break it down, step by step, and maybe even share a few stories along the way.
Understanding why treats matter in training
Most dogs (and some cats, too) are motivated by food. A small bite-sized morsel can be more powerful than praise or play, especially in a room full of distractions. In fact, research comparing edible treats and toys as reinforcers found that most dogs prefer food rewards during training sessions. But not all treats are created equal. Some get your pet’s tail wagging in excitement, while others... not so much.
“The right treat grabs their attention—and keeps it.”
At Dogtown, during both our training sessions and dog daycare groups, we pay careful attention to each animal’s preferences. The perfect treat changes everything—it turns practice into play.
The main qualities of a good training treat
When shopping or making treats, think about these qualities:
- Palatability – If your pet doesn’t love the taste, it won’t work as a motivator. Studies show ingredients like fish oil, liver, and potato flour are often favorites (see what dogs actually like).
- Size – Small treats are best. A treat about the size of a pea is enough. You want them to finish chewing quickly and stay focused on you.
- Texture – Soft treats work better than crunchy ones, since dogs can eat them quickly and get back to the task.
- Smell – The smellier, the better. Strong-smelling treats get your dog’s attention, even in a busy park.
- Calories – Training treats add up fast. Keep calories low to prevent unhealthy weight gain. Tufts University’s Petfoodology recommends low-calorie options and suggests that training treats should make up less than 10% of your dog’s calories (read their tips for healthy rewards).
“Tiny, tasty, low-calorie.” That’s the sweet spot.
Sample treat ideas: from kitchen to store shelf
Sometimes, good treats are much closer than you think. In fact, plain foods from your fridge are often just as effective as anything store-bought. UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine and Tufts both agree—low-calorie fruits and vegetables like cucumber, blueberries, and carrot slices are simple, safe choices. They’re quick to chop, and pets usually love the crunch. Just don’t forget: Avoid toxic foods like chocolate, grapes, garlic, and onions. Even a small amount is dangerous.
For store-bought options, check ingredients. Simple is better, and high-value treats with short ingredient lists work best. If your companion is picky, try single-protein treats (like freeze-dried chicken or liver) or explore a few options until you find their favorite.
Why variety matters, even for treats
Your dog gets bored. It happens. In fact, a study showed that dogs are more motivated when treats are rotated rather than offering the same treat repeatedly. It’s a little bit of unpredictability—and it can keep your training sessions fun for both of you.
- Have a handful of “regular” treats for simple tasks.
- Reserve unique, extra-delicious treats (stinky cheese, bits of plain chicken) for challenging situations or unfamiliar environments.
- Mix in some healthy kitchen treats. A slice of cucumber can go a long way in the right moment.
That’s something we regularly find with our Dogtown guests. Switching things up can transform a dog’s motivation in an instant.
How many treats are too many?
This question trips up even experienced pet parents. The answer varies, and there’s a bit of trial and error. Still, nutrition experts at both UC Davis and Tufts say treats and “extras” (anything besides main meals) should make up less than 10% of your pet’s calories per day (UC Davis treat guidelines).
- For most small dogs, this could be 1-2 tablespoons of treats a day.
- Bigger dogs might enjoy more, but calories add up quickly during intense training!
At Dogtown, our staff adjusts during long day camp or boarding visits by tracking snack intake and making sure it suits each dog’s needs. When in doubt, count treat calories as part of your pet’s total daily food.
Special considerations: age, size, and sensitivities
Puppies have smaller stomachs and often need softer, even smaller treats. Senior dogs may have sensitive teeth or dietary needs that require gentler ingredients. And for pets with allergies, always double-check the ingredient list. If you’re not sure, ask your vet. As a bonus tip, break larger treats into tiny pieces for longer sessions—just like we do during grooming desensitization at Dogtown.
Timing, delivery, and positive reinforcement
The moment you give a treat matters as much as the treat itself. Treats should come immediately after your dog gets it right—not five seconds later. That quick reward makes the connection crystal clear in your pet’s brain.
- Start with frequent rewards for simple behaviors.
- Phase out treats slowly and replace with praise or toys as your dog understands the behavior.
- Save your dog’s very favorite treat for the hardest tasks or biggest distractions.
You’ll notice our trainers at Dogtown can’t help but smile when using the “jackpot” technique—a couple of high-value treats for a big breakthrough. It’s so effective (and a joy to witness).
Conclusion: a simple treat, big difference
Choosing the right treat can be the difference between frustration and a fun, successful training session. Whether you’re tossing a blueberry to catch your dog’s attention or using a stinky piece of cheese for a tough trick, you’re creating positive experiences that stick.
The best treat isn’t always fancy—just effective.
If you want to see how reward-based training works in a real social setting—or if your pup deserves the customized, attentive care we give every guest—schedule a visit or pre-enrollment assessment at Dogtown. We’ll help your pet find joy in learning, one treat (and tail wag) at a time.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best treats for training?
The best training treats are small, soft, and very flavorful. Many dogs love cooked chicken, freeze-dried liver, or small bits of cheese. It’s smart to try healthy options like carrot or cucumber slices. Some pets have their own unique favorites, so it can take a little experimenting to figure out what motivates yours most (see ingredient preferences here).
How to choose healthy dog treats?
Look for treats with minimal ingredients. Avoid preservatives, artificial colors, and added sugars when you can. Many experts, including Petfoodology at Tufts, suggest low-calorie treats and using fruits or vegetables sometimes (see more here). And, always avoid foods that are toxic to dogs—like chocolate, grapes, onions, and macadamia nuts.
Can puppies have training treats?
Yes, but they should be even smaller and softer for puppies. Remember to keep total treat intake within 10% of their daily food. For safety, always check labels and break any treat into tiny pieces suitable for a puppy’s mouth and teeth.
How many treats should I use?
The right number of treats depends on your dog’s size and training session length. The general rule is no more than 10% of their total calories from treats each day (see expert advice). During sessions, use tiny pieces so your dog can earn several treats without overfeeding.
Where to buy quality training treats?
You can find good training treats at many stores or make simple ones yourself with cooked meats or safe fruits and veggies. If you’re interested in expert guidance or want to see treats in action, Dogtown offers personalized training where we use high-value, safe treats for each guest’s individual needs. Learn more about our training services at our training page.
