Training
Choosing the right treats for training
The right treat makes training faster. The best training treats are small, soft and something your dog really wants, but not so rich that they upset the stomach or the daily calorie budget.
What makes a good training treat
- Tiny: about the size of a pea. You'll give a lot of them.
- Soft: quick to eat, so training keeps moving.
- Tasty: use higher-value treats for harder tasks or busy places.
- Easy to carry: not greasy or crumbly in a pocket.
Watch the calories
A common guideline is to keep treats to about 10% of your dog's daily calories, and to reduce meal portions on heavy training days. Part of your dog's regular kibble also works well as an everyday reward.
Good options to try
- Small pieces of plain cooked chicken or turkey
- Store-bought soft training treats, broken smaller
- Part of the daily kibble for easy cues
Never give these
Toxic to dogs: chocolate, grapes and raisins, onions and garlic, macadamia nuts, and anything containing xylitol (a sweetener found in some peanut butters and sugar-free gum). If your dog eats any of these, call your vet or an animal poison helpline right away.
If your dog has allergies, a sensitive stomach or a health condition, ask your vet which treats are suitable.
General information, not veterinary advice. If your dog's behavior changes suddenly, talk to your vet.
