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Training your furry friend can be a rewarding experience for both of you, but having the right tools makes all the difference. And when it comes to practical dog training, treats are your secret weapon. But not all treats are created equal. 

We've all been there—trying to teach our dog a new trick only to be met with that adorable head tilt of confusion. 

Or perhaps they're just so interested in play and have no interest in you that you're desperately seeking a way for them to listen and engage with you?

Good news - with the right treats in your pocket, you can transform those training sessions from frustrating to fantastic.

Positive reinforcement training treats are more than just tasty snacks. They're powerful communication tools that tell your dog, "Yes, that's exactly what I wanted you to do!" 

The perfect training treat needs to be enticing enough to keep your dog's attention, small enough to eat quickly, and healthy enough to use frequently during training sessions.

In this guide, we're exploring the best training treats for dogs, how to use them effectively, and everything you need to know to turn your good boy or girl into a well-trained companion.

What makes an ideal training treat?

Before we jump into specific recommendations, let's talk about what qualities make a treat perfect for training:

• Small size: Training often involves giving multiple treats in a short period. Small treats allow your dog to eat quickly and get back to learning without long chewing breaks.

• High-value and enticing: The more your dog wants the treat, the harder they'll work for it. These treats should be special—something they don't get in their regular diet.

• Low-calorie content: Since you'll be handing out multiple treats during training sessions, keeping the calorie count low prevents weight gain.

• Easy to handle: You want treats that will neither crumble in your pocket nor require two hands to break apart.

• Minimal mess: No one wants greasy fingers or crumbs everywhere during training!

Best types of training treats

Meat-based treats

These will probably be your main go-to treat types because dogs love meaty snacks. They're a good texture, tasty, and are actually good for your dog, as long as you keep the quantity balanced.

Freeze-dried meat

These treats pack a protein punch and have an intense flavor that dogs find irresistible. They're lightweight, don't require refrigeration, and break easily into smaller pieces. 

Brands like Stella & Chewy's and Vital Essentials offer single-ingredient freeze-dried meat treats that are perfect for dog training.

Dehydrated meat

Similar to freeze-dried options but with a different texture, dehydrated meat treats retain much of their nutritional value while being shelf-stable. 

They're nutrient-rich and can be easily torn into tiny training bits. Look for treats made from quality meats without artificial preservatives.

Jerky strips

Soft and chewy jerky strips are a hit with most dogs. The key is finding soft jerky to tear quickly into small pieces during training sessions. These are particularly good for dogs who need a slightly larger treat to keep their attention.

Plant-based options

Whether you're managing a specialist diet or looking for some low-impact treats you can give more often - usually to keep reinforcing an already-learned behavior - plant-based treats do the trick.

Sweet potato treats

Rich in fiber and vitamins, dehydrated sweet potato treats are excellent for dogs with food sensitivities. They're naturally sweet, making them appealing to most pups, and can be found in various thicknesses—opt for the thinner varieties for training.

Carrots

Fresh or frozen carrots cut into tiny pieces make crunchy, low-calorie training treats. They're budget-friendly and provide the satisfying crunch many dogs enjoy. 

While not as high-value as meat treats, they work well for maintenance training of already-learned behaviors.

Apple slices

Small pieces of apple can be refreshing treats, especially in warm weather. They help clean teeth and provide vitamins but use them sparingly due to their sugar content. 

Always remove the seeds and core before giving apples to your dog.

Homemade dog training treats

Whether you want to get creative or you know what your dog loves and just want to give them something made for them, homemade is always a fun way to go.

Homemade jerky

With just a food dehydrator or low-temperature oven, you can make jerky treats from lean meats like chicken, turkey, or beef. Slice the meat thin, dehydrate until chewy but not crispy, and then cut into small training-sized pieces. 

This allows you to control exactly what goes into your dog's treats.

3 Ingredient Homemade Dog Treat Recipe 🐶 Less Than $1

Peanut butter bites

Mix natural peanut butter (xylitol-free!) with oats, mash into a thin layer, and cut into tiny squares for a homemade training treat that most dogs find irresistible. These can be frozen for longer storage.

What are the top brands worth trying?

If shopping for commercial training treats, these brands consistently deliver quality products that dogs love:

• Zuke's Mini Naturals: These soft, moist treats come in various flavors and are perfectly sized for training.

• Cloud Star Tricky Trainers: Available in chewy or crunchy varieties, these low-calorie treats are ideal for frequent rewarding.

• Wellness Soft Puppy Bites: Though marketed for puppies, these soft treats are perfect for dogs of all ages during training.

• Pet Botanics Training Rewards: With less than 3 calories per treat, these are specifically designed for repetitive training sessions.

• Natural Balance Mini Rewards: These are great for dogs with food sensitivities, as they come in limited ingredient formulas.

Of course, it pays to shop around and see what’s in your local area. Check out the what makes a good dog treat section at the start of the guide to know what to look for.

How many treats do you give your dog during training?

Treats are essential for training, but moderation is key. Otherwise, you risk ruining their appetite for dinner and weight gain. Here's how to keep things balanced:

• Watch the calories: Training treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog's daily caloric intake. Check the package to determine how many treats that equate to for your specific brand.

• Adjust regular meals: On heavy training days, slightly reduce your dog's regular food to compensate for the extra calories from treats.

• Read your dog's body: If your pup is gaining weight or becoming less excited about regular meals, you might be overdoing the treats.

• Consider breaking treats: Even small commercial treats can often be broken into two or three pieces, giving you more rewards without additional calories.

How to use treats effectively in canine behavioral training

The right treats are just one part of the equation—how you use them matters, too:

• Perfect your timing: Give the treat immediately after the desired behavior for clear communication.

• Create a treat hierarchy: Save the highest-value treats (usually meat-based) for teaching new behaviors or working in distracting environments. Use lower-value treats for practicing already-learned skills.

• Implement variable rewarding: As your dog becomes proficient at a behavior, gradually reduce the frequency of treats. Reward every 2nd or 3rd correct response, then every 4th or 5th, and so on.

• Pair treats with praise: Always combine treats with verbal praise so you can eventually phase out constant treating while maintaining the behavior.

• Keep training sessions short: Multiple 5-10 minute sessions throughout the day are more effective than one long session where your dog might lose interest or get full.

Common mistakes to avoid when using dog treats for training

Even with the best treats, these common errors and missed dog training tips can hamper your dog obedience training progress:

• Inconsistent rewarding: Decide in advance which behaviors earn treats and stick to your plan.

• Using treats that are too large: Large treats take too long to eat, breaking the flow of training.

• Relying solely on treats: While treats are powerful motivators, incorporate other rewards like play, praise, and real-life rewards (like going outside).

• Forgetting to bring treats: Keep small containers of treats in different locations (car, coat pocket, by the door) so you're always prepared for impromptu training moments.

• Treating at the wrong time: Giving a treat even a few seconds after the behavior can confuse your dog about what exactly is being rewarded.

How to get the most out of reward-based training with treats

To maximize your canine training success:

• Start with minimal distractions: Use a quiet environment when introducing new behaviors, then gradually add distractions as your dog becomes more reliable.

• Be enthusiastic: Your energy affects your dog's motivation. Show genuine excitement when they get it right!

• Keep dog training positive: If you get frustrated, end the session with a simple success and try again later.

• Mix up your treats: Prevent treat fatigue by rotating between different types of high-value rewards.

• Always end on a high note: It's like a kid getting a lollipop after being at the dentist. Finish each training session with a behavior your dog knows well so they feel successful.

Safety first: GPS tracking for all canine training sessions

While treats are a great way to keep your dog’s attention, sometimes, they’re not enough.

Even with the best training treats and techniques, there's always a possibility that your dog might get distracted and dash off during outdoor training sessions. After all, there are plenty of exciting things to chase out in the world, as well as lovely smells, other dogs and animals, and much more.

This is where a reliable GPS tracker becomes an essential training companion.

We spoke with a professional dog trainer from Colorado, who shared her experience with a Border Collie, Max, during off-leash recall training:

"We were working on advanced recall in an open field near the mountains when a deer suddenly appeared. Despite all our training, Max's prey drive kicked in, and he took off. Thankfully, I’ve been in these situations before, so I could simply pull out my GPS tracker to track his exact location. I found him nearly a mile away within minutes. Trackers like these are essentially for all kinds of outdoor dog training.”

The Aorkuler GPS Tracker offers an excellent solution for dog owners worried about their furry friends taking an unscheduled adventure. 

Unlike many pet trackers on the market, this device doesn't require any monthly subscription fees, making it a cost-effective option for long-term use.

Key benefits of using the Aorkuler GPS Tracker during training sessions include:

• Real-time location tracking: Always know exactly where your dog is, especially when practicing recall in open areas.

• No subscription required: One-time purchase with no recurring fees, unlike many competing products.

• Works without cellular service: Unlike most pet trackers, Aorkuler functions perfectly in remote training areas with no cell coverage—ideal for wilderness dog training sessions.

• Peace of mind: Train with confidence knowing you can quickly locate your dog if they get distracted and run off.

• Expanded training environments: Safely practice dog training commands in larger, more stimulating areas, knowing you have a backup plan if your dog doesn't respond.

• Waterproof design: Perfect for dogs who might encounter water during outdoor training sessions.

Many trainers actually recommend using a GPS tracker during the early stages of recall training or when working in new environments. It adds an extra layer of security while you're building reliable behaviors, especially for dogs with high prey drives or those easily distracted by environmental stimuli. 

The Aorkuler's ability to function without cellular connectivity makes it particularly valuable for dog training in remote or rural locations where other trackers would be useless.

Wrapping up

The right training treats can transform your dog training experience from challenging to enjoyable for both you and your furry friend. 

Whether you opt for commercial options or homemade goodies, the most important factors are that the treats are healthy, appropriately sized, and irresistible to your particular pup.

Remember that every dog is unique—what works as a high-value treat for one might not excite another. Don't be afraid to experiment with different options until you find your dog's training treat soulmate.

With patience, consistency, and a pocket full of the right treats, you'll be amazed at what your four-legged companion can learn. 

And for those outdoor training sessions, don't forget to add an extra layer of security with an Aorkuler GPS Tracker—because the only thing better than a well-trained dog is a well-trained dog you can always locate.

Get your no-subscription GPS tracker today at aorkuler.com and train with complete peace of mind.

Happy training!