Training your dog can be blissful yet equally challenging. One powerful tool that professional trainers use is the ideal training treat. Not all treats are created equal, especially when it comes to teaching new commands or breaking bad habits. Let’s explore how to select treats that will help you achieve training success in record time.
The Power of Motivation
Consider dog treats as paychecks for a job well done. Just like a “thank you” is not motivating enough to make you work harder, your dog will only perform actions for which they will receive a perk of true value in their eyes. The effort a dog is willing to put into a task will be hugely dependent on the reward attached to it.
Understanding Value Hierarchy
Like humans, dogs have a hierarchy of preference. What is classified as a high-value treat differs from one dog to another. Still, these premium rewards become a dog owner and trainer’s best weapon during difficult training scenarios or while teaching an incredibly complex command.
Extremely high-value treats are typically:
- Strongly aromatic (This typically makes up at least 80% of a dog’s choice)
- Made with real meat as the primary ingredient. Dogs evolved to eat meat, and it’s still hardwired into their brain to prize meat and offal above anything else.
- Moist and chewy
- Small enough to easily consume (this is very important for fast eating during dog training)
Some examples are bits of chicken, small cubes of cheese, liver, and store-bought training treats specifically designed to be irresistible. As long as they are high meat content or single ingredient treats, they will provide health and training benefits.
Size Matters
When training, the size of the treat should not take too long to eat.
The objective is to provide a reward as a quick taste reward that doesn’t stop the training flow.
Treats that are tougher to chew take longer to dissolve and break the dog’s concentration, which slows down the learning process.
That said, things like beef or lamb cubes might appear large, but are made from lung, so once the surface is broken, the treat crumbles fast.
Health Considerations
While training may require numerous treats, it’s important to consider your dog’s overall health. Look for treats that offer nutritional benefits beyond just taste. For senior dogs or breeds prone to joint issues, consider treats with natural joint support ingredients like glucosamine and chondroitin. You will find these in shark cartilage products.
Many quality treat manufacturers now include these supportive ingredients, allowing you to maintain training momentum while contributing to your pet’s long-term health. This dual-purpose approach is particularly valuable for older dogs who may be learning new skills while dealing with mobility challenges.
Practical Training Tips
- Reserve the extremely high value treat for the most challenging training scenarios or distracting environments.
- Rotate between different treat types to prevent boredom.
- Account for training treats in your dog’s daily caloric intake to prevent weight gain.
- Keep treats fresh and aromatic by storing them properly. That means out of sunlight, and Cool, low-oxygen containers.
- Always have treats readily accessible during spontaneous training opportunities.
Remember that timing is crucial. Reward immediately after the desired behavior for the clearest communication.
The Clicker Connection
Many trainers pair treat with a clicker to mark the exact moment of correct behavior. This precision helps your dog understand exactly what earned the reward, accelerating the learning process.
Beyond Food Rewards
As training progresses, gradually transition from treating every success to an intermittent reward schedule. This prevents dependency while maintaining the behavior. Eventually, praise and affection can replace many food rewards.
Final Thoughts
The right training treat can transform a frustrating training session into a breakthrough moment. By understanding your dog’s preferences and choosing treats that offer both irresistible appeal and health benefits, you will set the stage for training success.
Remember that patience, consistency, and the right rewards work together to create lasting results. With thoughtfully selected treats in your training toolkit, you will be amazed at how quickly your canine companion can learn new skills and behaviors.
