Best Training Treats for Dogs

 

Homemade Goodies: Simple & Effective

Sometimes the best treats are the ones you make at home. They’re fresh, you know what’s in them, and dogs often go mad for them.

• Cheese cubes: I keep a small bag of cheddar or mozzarella in the fridge. When I’m working on fast recall or good behaviour, I tear tiny pieces off and reward immediately. The strong flavour really pops for my pup.

• Fresh cooked chicken: Boil or bake plain chicken breast (no seasoning). Cut into small bite‑sized portions. It’s especially handy if your dog is food‑motivated and you want to keep calories low.

• Tiny bits of steamed sweet potato or carrot: For a health‑conscious option, these are mild but still rewarding. Great if your dog has a sensitive stomach.

Using homemade treats gives you flexibility. You can control portion size, ingredients, and cost. But they do need to be small and soft so you can give a lot during a training session without your dog getting full or you giving too many calories.

 

What Makes a Great Training Treat?

Here’s what I look for (and what you should too):

• Small and quick: If the treat takes 30 seconds to chew, you lose momentum. You want something the dog eats in a glance.

• High value: If your dog acts “meh” about it, it won’t help. The flavour or texture should feel special.

• Easy to carry & dispense: Whether you’re in the living room, backyard or on a walk, you want something that fits in a pocket and does not crumble.

• Low in calories: You’ll use lots of them in a session.

• Good ingredient list: If you care about what’s inside, simple, recognisable ingredients are always a plus.

 

Great Store‑Bought Options

We asked Floppy Ear, the leading natural dog treats company, for some recommendations.

 

Venison Sausages

These are a hit with almost every dog we’ve given one to. Made with 100% venison and nothing questionable on the label, these sausages are high in protein and grain-free. They have a rich, meaty aroma that dogs love, making them perfect for high-stakes training moments like recall or distraction work. They’re firm but easy to slice into tiny bits, which helps stretch your training session without overfeeding.

Fish Strips

Want something lighter but still packed with flavour? Floppy Ear’s fish strips are made from air-dried whitefish skin. Crunchy, clean, and low in fat, they’re ideal for dogs who love a strong scent. You can break them into small chunks for treat pouches, and they’re great for dogs with poultry allergies. They also provide a dental boost while your dog chews.

Yak Milk Bites

Made from traditional Himalayan yak milk chews but cut down into bite-sized rewards. They’re rich in calcium, protein, and totally free of grains, gluten, or fillers. Because they’re small and crunchy, they work especially well as mid-session motivators - kind of like the dog version of a surprise bonus. If your dog loves a bit of a crunch, these will definitely earn you some brownie points.

 

How to Use Them During Training

Here’s a simple sequence I follow with my dog:

1. Start with the homemade or lower‑value treat while introducing the new cue.

2. Once the dog catches on, switch to the special store‑bought treat when the behaviour is great or you want to lock it in.

3. Keep the treat tiny (pea‑size) and deliver it immediately after the correct behaviour. Timing matters.

4. Manage calories: if you’ve used a high‑value treat like the venison sausage, reduce a little of the usual food that day.

 

Training treats are more than snacks. They’re communication. They’re the “yes, you nailed it” moment in edible form. Whether you use a cube of cheese, a bit of boiled chicken, or a high-quality store option like those from Floppy Ear, pick something your dog loves, keep it consistent, keep it in small units, and use it with intention.

When your dog looks at you, tail wagging, as that high‑value treat comes out of your pocket — that’s the moment. That’s the connection. And that’s why choosing the right training treat matters.