Teaching Your Dog a New Trick? These 15 Training Treats Are Expert Favorites
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The only thing better than a dog, is a well-behaved one. Whether teaching a pup common manners like sitting or walking on leash, or trying to build up your pooches toolbox with more complicated tricks, many dog owners have questioned the best method for training their furry friends. When we asked four experts they all said the same thing: treats.
Not only does reward-based training ensure your dog "enjoys training and is excited about participating," says DC-based trainer, Juliana Willems, "but it also builds your bond with your dog." Many studies have also shown that more aggressive methods of training don't work as well, and can have long-term side effects for your pup.
Still, selecting the right treat can feel overwhelming and daunting to many dog owners. Andrea Arden, a certified trainer and four-time author about all things dog instruction, told POPSUGAR choosing the right product often comes down to the individual dog, but it's always best to have more than one option on hand. "You'll want high, medium, and low value treats," she says. High value could be anything your dog goes crazy for and is extremely motivated by. They're best used with new behaviors or in situations with a lot of distractions, like at a dog park. Medium and low value treats can be used for familiar requests like sitting or laying down.
M. Leanne Lilly, DVM, DACVB, clinical assistant professor at the Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine, agrees that scientific data shows positive reinforcement is the fastest way to train complicated behaviors, but encourages owners to be mindful of calories and nutritional value when shopping for training treats. "Ideally we want to keep treats to less than 10 percent of the diet," she says. "For most training treats something the size of a pea is ideal because it means you can rapidly repeat the task and provide a reward without waiting for chewing." Jennifer Coates, DVM, who serves on the advisory board for Pup Life Today, shared similar views with POPSUGAR while adding that clicker training can also be effective in conjunction with training treats to help limit caloric intake.
Willems says that as a general rule look for products that are "small, squishy, and stinky" — your dog will love the taste and their size and ability to be broken up ensures you can get in lots of training without compromising your pup's health. While Willems, Arden, Dr. Lilly, and Dr. Coats agreed that there is no one right answer when it comes to selecting training treats, they did give us some great recommendations that they've seen to be highly effective. Click through for the complete list.
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Ziwi Good Dog Rewards
This New Zealand based company specializes in ethical and sustainable dog food, and Good Dog Rewards ($9) are great for training. Andrea Arden told POPSUGAR pups go crazy over these delicious snacks.
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Dr. Becker’s Bites
Dr. Becker's makes handmade treats — talk about gourmet-quality food for your pup! While there are an assortment of products to choose from, the Mini Bites ($17) are made specifically for training.
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String Cheese
String Cheese ($2) came recommended more than once, so you know it's the real deal. Not only is it a special treat for your pup, it might already be in your fridge! And if you're worried about feeding human food to your dog, Willems told POPSUGAR it's not about the actual item, but the action that comes before. As long as you're not giving your dog string cheese directly from your plate or the table, your pet won't know the difference and it's perfectly healthy.
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FreshPet Dog Joy
FreshPet's Dog Joy ($5) line of products are slightly different than others on this list as they need to be refrigerated, but that just means they're extra fresh! You — or should I say your dog — can choose between three scrumptious flavors: chicken, turkey and apple, or turkey bacon.
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Bell Peppers
Dr. Lilly recommended bell peppers ($4) as an easy and healthy training option. They're extremely low in calories so your pooch can practice all day without any worries!
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Wellness Soft WellBites
With five Soft WellBites ($9) flavors to choose from, there's surely something for every pup. These treats are easy to break into smaller pieces, which experts loved.
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Prairie Dog Jerky
Prairie Dog Jerky ($20) might have a slightly higher price tag, but it came highly recommended for its flavor and quality. It can also be easily ripped into tinier pieces, meaning it'll last longer — and you're following expert-recommended advice and keeping portion sizes small.
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Spot Farms Dog Treats
Another highly recommended product, Spot Farms Dog Treats ($14, originally $18) taste delicious to your pet, and they're free of any artificial colors, chemicals, and preservatives, so you can feel good about what you're feeding them.
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Hot Dogs
Hot dogs ($2) are another human food option to try, and are known for being "high value" for many dogs. The fact that you can cut them as small as you like makes the a great option as well!
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True Acre Foods Mini-Training Rewards
True Acre Foods Mini-Training Rewards ($8) is a great choice since they're already in that pea-sized shape Dr. Lilly recommended. Training can begin as soon as you open the bag!
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Boiled Chicken
Chicken ($2 per pound) is another healthy choice for your dog, and easy to pick up while doing your regular grocery shopping. You can quickly boil it and store in the fridge for whenever you're ready. Think of it like meal prepping for your pup!
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Blue Buffalo Blue Bits Soft-Moist Training Dog Treats
Blue Buffalo Blue Bits ($4) meet all the requirements for a great training treat. They're nutritious, small, and your dog will love the flavor!
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Fruitables Skinny Minis
With only three calories per treat, Fruitables Skinny Minis ($5) are perfect for working on skills that require lots of repetition.
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Turkey Slices
Similar to chicken, sliced turkey ($6) is another nutritious reward that your dog will love. Using sliced options means less prep for you too.
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Cheerios
Having a box of Cheerios ($4) on hand is never a bad idea for any dog owner. While some dogs might see them as lower value, they're perfect for keeping around the house to use as a reward for commands your dog has already mastered. Since they're already small, a single Cheerio will make a great treat and encourage your dog to continue displaying good behavior.
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