My DAILY Top 3 Dog Training Treats
If you have ever worked with me you will know I am a big believer in having really good training treats on hand.
Treats are one of the easiest ways to communicate with your dog during training and the right treat can make a huge difference. Especially when you are working on something difficult like recall, loose lead walking, distractions or building focus around other dogs.
I have tried a LOT of different treats over the years and these are my current top three.
1. Possum Dog Roll
Possum dog roll is one of my absolute favourites for training.
It is easy to cut into small pieces so you can make the treats as tiny as you need them. This is important when you are doing lots of repetitions because your dog can get a lot of rewards without eating huge amounts of food.
I also really like it because it is generally high value for dogs. For dogs who are a little fussy or aren't particularly food motivated it can be a great option.
I will often use possum roll when I want my dog to be really interested in me and ready to work.
It is particularly handy for:
Recall training
Loose lead walking
Focus around distractions
Teaching new behaviours
Puppies who are learning the basics
Dogs who aren't hugely food motivated
The other big bonus is that it is easy to keep in your treat pouch and break into whatever size you need.
My tip: Don't cut your training treats too big. Your dog doesn't need a whole mouthful every time they get something right. Small pieces mean you can reward more often and get lots more repetitions into your training session.
2. Salmon Bites
Salmon bites are another favourite of mine and I love using them when I want something a little different from the usual meat treats.
The smell is a big part of why they work so well. Dogs have a much better sense of smell than we do so something that smells particularly tasty to them can be a great motivator.
I like using salmon bites when I am training in slightly more distracting environments or when I need to make sure the reward is worth working for.
They are great for:
Recall
Engagement
Training outside
Working around distractions
Dogs who love fish
Higher value rewards
I will often have a couple of different treats with me rather than relying on just one.
That means I can use a more everyday treat for easier behaviours and bring out the really good stuff when my dog does something difficult.
3. Freeze Dried Tripe
Freeze dried tripe is definitely one of my favourite high value rewards.
Yes it smells absolutely disgusting to us 😂 but dogs tend to LOVE it.
That strong smell is exactly what makes it so useful for training. When you are asking your dog to do something challenging you want the reward to be something they genuinely care about.
I particularly like freeze dried tripe for dogs who are easily distracted or who aren't especially motivated by standard biscuits or dry treats.
I use it for things like:
Recall around distractions
Training in new environments
Re-engaging with me outside
Behaviour work
Difficult exercises
Jackpot rewards
I also like using it as a special reward rather than giving it constantly. If your dog knows that the really good stuff comes out when they nail something difficult it can become a very powerful training tool.
So which one should you use?
Honestly, I don't think you need to pick just one.
I actually prefer having a few different levels of reward available.
For example:
Everyday training:
A lower value treat for easy behaviours your dog already knows.
Good work:
Something like possum roll or salmon bites.
Really good work:
Freeze dried tripe or another high value reward.
The important thing is that your dog actually thinks the reward is worth working for.
And remember that the best training treat is the one your dog loves and that you can easily use during training. There is no point buying an expensive treat if your dog isn't interested in it or if it is too difficult to break into small pieces.
One final tip
Don't save your best treats for when your dog is already struggling.
If you know you are going somewhere distracting or you are working on something your dog finds difficult then bring the good stuff from the beginning.
Training is about setting your dog up to succeed. If the environment is harder then the reward may need to be better too.
And yes... if you are wondering which one I would choose for a really important recall?
I'm bringing the tripe. 😂