How to Use Treats in Dog Training

By Tailwisp Editorial TeamUpdated October 17, 20263 min read

Treats are the most common reward in dog training, because they are quick, convenient and effective for most dogs. Used well, they build behaviors fast and keep training fun.

Size and texture

Training treats should be tiny, around the size of a pea for a medium dog, and smaller for little dogs. Soft treats are easier to eat quickly, which keeps the session moving. Hard biscuits take time to chew and break the rhythm.

Value matters

Not all treats are equal. Use a hierarchy:

• Low value: your dog's kibble, for easy tasks at home.
• Medium value: commercial training treats.
• High value: small pieces of cooked chicken, cheese or liver, for difficult tasks or distractions.

See best training treats for dogs.

Delivery

Deliver the treat as soon as you mark the behavior, ideally within a second or two. Deliver it to the position you want, such as at the dog's feet for a down or at your leg for a heel. Keep your hand out of the way, so your dog is not jumping for food.

Count the calories

Training treats add up. Count them as part of the daily allowance, and reduce meals accordingly. Use part of your dog's regular food for training, or choose low-calorie treats. Ask your vet if your dog needs a special diet. See how often to feed a dog.

Avoid foods that are risky

Never use grapes, raisins, chocolate, onions or anything containing xylitol. See is xylitol toxic to dogs. Be careful with fatty foods, which can upset digestion.

Fading treats

Once a behavior is reliable, reward on an unpredictable schedule, and add other rewards such as praise, play and life rewards. See variable reinforcement schedules for dogs. Do not stop rewarding altogether, because behaviors fade without reinforcement.

Dogs who do not like treats

Some dogs are not food motivated. Try:

• Training before meals
• Different food types and textures
• Toys and play. See how to use toys as training rewards
• Praise and affection
• A calmer environment, since stress can reduce appetite

Common mistakes

• Treats that are too big. They slow training and add calories.
• Rewarding late. The treat must follow the behavior closely.
• Using treats as bribes. Show the treat after, not before.
• Always using the same treat. Variety keeps interest.

Troubleshooting

• Your dog is distracted. Use higher-value treats.
• Your dog snatches. Present treats calmly, and teach gentle mouths.
• Your dog gets sick. Choose simpler treats and introduce new foods slowly.
• Your dog is gaining weight. Cut meal portions, or switch to low-calorie rewards.

Treat pouches

A pouch worn at the waist lets you deliver treats quickly, and keeps your hands free. Fill it with several types for variety.

A sample plan

• Week 1: Reward every correct response.
• Week 2: Reward every second or third response, with praise between.
• Week 3: Add life rewards.

Treats in different settings

At home you can use softer, lower-value treats because distractions are few. On a walk or at the park, move up to your dog's favorite food. If you are working around other dogs, children or traffic, use the very best rewards and keep them coming quickly.

Rotate treat types across sessions, so no single treat becomes boring. Keep a small supply of especially special treats for emergencies, such as a recall near a road. Never leave treats where your dog can reach them unsupervised, and store them in a sealed container to keep them fresh and safe. Always wash your hands after handling raw or cooked meat.

The takeaway

Small, tasty and well-timed treats make training efficient. Adjust value to the situation, and fade gradually.