Welcome to the world of dog training! Whether you’re a seasoned owner or welcoming your first puppy, the right treats can make all the difference in building enthusiasm and excitement for training exercises and games. While many commercial treats are available, sometimes the simplest, most natural options are the most effective. This guide explores a variety of treats that have been road-tested and approved by our own dogs, offering insights for both adult dogs and puppies.
It’s important to remember that every dog is unique. What one dog finds irresistible, another might turn its nose up at. Ella, for instance, always adored fishy treats, while puppy Jade once looked at a prawn with utter disgust! Therefore, it’s advisable to try small quantities of any new treat to gauge your dog’s enjoyment and, crucially, to ensure it agrees with their sensitive tummies, especially if your dog has a delicate digestive system.
Training Treats for Adult Dogs
For adult dogs, the goal is to find highly motivating treats that can be used consistently during training sessions. The key is variety and positive reinforcement. The following treats have proven effective in maintaining our dogs’ engagement and eagerness to learn.
Training Treats for Puppies
Starting training early is beneficial, and using appropriate treats can significantly enhance a puppy’s learning experience. However, puppies have developing digestive systems, making them more susceptible to upset. When introducing new foods, always start with small amounts.
Puppies can experience stomach upsets due to several factors: adjusting to a new home, a change in water source, a new diet, vaccinations, and the natural stresses of socialization and development. If your puppy does experience diarrhea, Prokolin can be helpful, alongside skipping their next meal and feeding a small amount of a recovery recipe, such as the one recommended by canine nutritionist Holly Barker. She also suggests probiotics and hydration drinks to support gut health during recovery. After the upset has settled, gradually reintroduce their usual food.
With these considerations in mind, here are the top training treats that have been thoroughly tested by our dogs:
1. Liver Cake
You can either make this yourself using a simple recipe or purchase it from specialized bakeries like Klassy Canine Bakery. Liver cake is a remarkably effective and economical training treat. While pig’s liver is often preferred, any type will work. For a homemade option, you can find a liver cake recipe here.
2. Cocktail Sausages
A convenient option for those last-minute training sessions, cocktail sausages are easy to find at the supermarket. You can break off small pieces as needed, making them a practical choice for training on the go.
3. Hotdog Sausages
Ideal for training games where you might toss food, hotdog sausages do not crumble or break apart easily. This makes them perfect for clicker training and other exercises where precision in treat delivery is desired.
4. Cheese
Many types of cheese can work well as training treats, but opt for those that don’t easily crumble in your pocket. Be mindful of warm weather, as cheese can become gooey. For smaller dogs or for teaching them to lick a reward, squeezy cheese tubes are an excellent option, offering a small amount of reward without overfeeding.
5. Salami
Strong-smelling meats like salami can be highly motivating for dogs. However, be aware of the salt content and consider using it in moderation or mixed with other treats. Even a small amount of salami can impart its enticing smell to other treats, making them more appealing.
6. Chicken
When beginning training with a young puppy, it’s wise to start with milder options. Cooked chicken, particularly the wafer-thin variety found in supermarket sandwich aisles, is a good choice as it’s less likely to cause stomach upset. For added appeal, you can lightly fry the chicken with a hint of garlic to enhance its aroma.
7. Seafood or Crab Sticks
Available in the seafood section of most supermarkets, these can be cut into bite-sized chunks for training. They are a good option for dogs with more sensitive stomachs.
8. Beef
Leftover cooked beef from a roast dinner makes an excellent training treat. It’s a fantastic way to utilize leftovers and prevent food waste.
9. Corned Beef
Similar to salami, corned beef can be quite salty, so it’s best not to use it exclusively. Dogs often find this treat highly palatable. While not the easiest for tossing, it’s well-suited for static training exercises.
10. Spam
Spam, like corned beef, is a convenient cupboard staple that doesn’t require refrigeration. Its meaty flavor is a hit with most dogs, though you might find other household members trying to “help” you cut it up!
For those who enjoy baking, numerous recipes are available to create homemade treats for your dog. You can explore more details by following the link provided.
