Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Dog Treats for Training
Training your dog can be a fun, rewarding experience. Whether you’re teaching basic commands or helping them master new tricks, dog treats can be your secret weapon. But with so many options available, how do you know which treats are best for training?
This guide breaks down everything you need to know about choosing the best dog training treats—from ingredients to size and beyond.
Why Training with Treats Works
Training your dog with treats taps into their natural instincts and desire for food. When you give your dog a treat, it helps them learn good behaviour. This makes them want to do it again later. A simple, effective method used by pet owners worldwide exists.
However, not all dog treats are suitable for training. The right kind of treat can make a significant difference in how quickly your dog learns.
What Makes a Good Training Treat?
Here are key factors to consider when choosing the best dog training treats:
- Size: Small, bite-sized treats are ideal for training sessions. Large treats can be distracting, as your dog may take too long to eat them. Tip: You can break small treats into even smaller pieces. This makes them easier for dogs to eat during training. It also helps prevent overfeeding, especially for small dogs.
- Healthy Ingredients: Look for natural dog treats made without artificial additives. Healthy treats keep your dog’s energy steady and lower the chances of weight gain during training. Check out Forever Friend’s collection for high-quality natural treats.
The Importance of High-Value Treats
In some training situations, regular treats may not keep your dog focused. This is especially true in new or busy places. That’s where high-value treats come in.
These are treats that your dog finds irresistible, like freeze-dried dog treats or flavourful options like raw meat pieces. High-value treats are super handy when you're teaching more challenging commands.
The Best Dog Training Treats for Puppies
Training a puppy requires patience—and the right treats. Puppies are still figuring out how to interact with the world and giving them the wrong treats could upset their digestion.
When choosing puppy treats, focus on:
- Softness: Puppies have sensitive teeth and may struggle with hard treats.
- Digestibility: Puppies have delicate stomachs. Opt for natural dog treats that are easy to digest, like the ones from Forever Friend’s puppy range.
When to Reward Good Behaviour
Training isn’t the only time to reward your dog. Rewarding and encouraging good behavior throughout the day is just as important.
For example, if your dog sits calmly while visitors arrive or avoids barking at the doorbell, reward them with a small treat. By reinforcing these everyday behaviours, you’ll encourage a well-mannered dog over time.
Types of Dog Training Treats to Try
Various types of treats work well for training:
- Soft Treats: These are ideal for quick consumption, allowing you to maintain the flow of the training session.
- Freeze-Dried Treats: These nutrient-packed treats preserve the natural flavour of raw meat while delivering a satisfying crunch. With their extended shelf life, they’re the perfect mess-free option for busy pet owners. Explore Forever Friend’s freeze-dried options today.
- Baked or Dehydrated Treats: Another excellent choice for a dry, long-lasting option. Just make sure to use natural, high-quality ingredients for the best results.
DIY Dog Training Treats
If you prefer to make your own treats, it’s easy to create healthy training snacks at home. Here’s a simple recipe:
- Choose Lean Protein: Chicken, turkey, or kangaroo works well.
- Bake and Cut: Bake the meat until fully cooked, then cut it into small, bite-sized pieces.
Just make sure the treats are small enough for your dog to eat quickly during training sessions.
What About Dogs with Special Diets?
Some dogs have allergies or sensitive stomachs. Choosing their food carefully is important. Common allergens like chicken and beef can upset their stomachs. So, using novel proteins like kangaroo is a good alternative.
At Forever Friend, we offer hypoallergenic kangaroo treats that are perfect for dogs with dietary restrictions.
Conclusion
Training your dog can be a rewarding experience, but choosing the right treats makes all the difference. Whether you have a puppy or an adult dog, choosing small, healthy, and natural dog treats is important. High-value treats can significantly boost your training success.
