Top 5 Treats That Make Puppy Training Easier: A Complete Guide for Pet Parents

In my experience as a professional dog trainer, I have trained hundreds of puppies and I have come to realize that the type of treats used can either make or mar your training. Treats should be considered as the reward for the puppy’s job well done, and so they should be a good incentive. Today I will be revealing the best training treats that will ensure your pet dog is well trained within the shortest time possible.

Why the Right Treats Matter in Puppy Training

Let me share a quick story: I was once training a Golden Retriever last summer, and the owner complained that the dog was tough to train as he would not pay attention. As it turned out, she fed her dogs with regular kibble as treats. Although kibble can feed some dogs, most puppies require something more stimulating to encourage them to eat. When we moved to high-value treats, her puppy became the most enthusiastic learner that I have ever come across.

The Perfect Puppy Training Treat Checklist

• Small size (about the size of your pinky fingernail)
• Soft texture for quick eating
• Strong aroma to capture attention
• Low-calorie count for frequent rewarding
• High-quality ingredients for digestive health

Can Professional Dog Training Transform an Aggressive Dog?

Top 5 Training Treats That Will Make Your Puppy's Tail Wag

1. Zuke's Mini Naturals

Zuke’s Mini Naturals would be my one recommendation for a training treat, perfectly sized for rapid-fire reward during training sessions, these tiny, soft morsels. The first ingredient is real meat, soft enough to chew and swallow quickly by puppies. Comes in several flavors to avoid boredom. What makes them special? They're:

• Only 3 calories per treat
• Made with real meat as the first ingredient
• Soft enough for puppies to quickly chew and swallow
• Available in multiple flavors to prevent boredom

2. Vital Essentials Mini Nibs

These freeze-dried treats are simply magical for the pup that requires a little bit of something special. It is difficult to distract puppies and even the most distracted ones will quickly come to attention for these treats.

• Single-ingredient treats (pure meat)
• Can be easily divided into other smaller parts
• Ideal for dogs that have sensitive stomachs to certain ingredients.

3. Forthglade Soft Bite Treats

These semi-moist treats have become my secret weapon for outdoor training sessions. Why? They're:

• Easy to handle even with cold hands
• Naturally aromatic to maintain focus
• Suitable for puppies of all sizes
• Made with natural ingredients

4. Cloud Star Tricky Trainers

When working with sensitive puppies, these treats are my go-to recommendation. They're:

• Wheat and corn-free
• Low in calories
• Perfectly chewy
• Available in multiple protein options

5. Wellness WellBites

Rounding out our top 5 are these wholesome treats that combine great nutrition with irresistible taste. They're:

• Made with whole food ingredients
• Easy to break into smaller pieces
• Packed with protein
• Perfect for longer training sessions

How to Use Training Treats Effectively

The best treats in the world won't help if you're not using them correctly. Here's my proven strategy:

1. Timing is Everything: Reward within 1-2 seconds of the desired behavior.
2. Size Matters: Keep treats tiny—training sessions require lots of rewards.
3. Mix it Up: Use a variety of treats to maintain interest.
4. Consider the Environment: Save high-value treats for challenging situations.
5. Watch the Calories: Reduce regular meals on heavy training days.

Homemade Alternatives

While commercial treats are convenient, you can also make effective training treats at home. Here's my favorite simple recipe:

• Quick Chicken Training Treats:
• Cut the chicken breast into tiny portions.
• Bake at 350° F for 20-30 minutes.
• Keep in refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Puppy Training Treats

Q: How frequently should I use positive reinforcement during the training of my puppy?

A: When teaching a new behavior, reward on the first try is the best approach to take. When your puppy has gotten better, start to lessen the use of treats and use words to encourage and reward your puppy.

Q: Is it safe to use normal dog food for training?

A: You can use kibble for low distraction training indoors but most puppies require higher motivators for learning especially when there are distractions.

Q: Which ingredients are not suitable for puppies in treats?

A: Artificial preservatives, and added sugars to make sugar with manufacturing purposes should not be fed or bought. On top of that, if your puppy is allergic, avoid feeding your puppy foods with some of the typical allergens, such as wheat and soy.

Can Professional Dog Training Transform an Aggressive Dog?

The Bottom Line

Please bear in mind that training treats are a form of communication and a reward. The best treat is one that the puppy enjoys and one that you can use in training the puppy during the training sessions. Begin with the options that we suggest and do not hesitate to try different things that suit your pet most.

Ready to start training? Don't forget to pick up some treats first! Share your puppy's favorite training treats in the comments below—we'd love to hear what works for your four-legged friend!