Bringing home a new puppy is an exciting journey. Between those adorable puppy eyes, wagging tails, and endless cuddles, there’s also a big responsibility—training. From teaching your pup to sit and stay to helping them understand basic manners, training is key to raising a happy and well-behaved companion.
But here’s the secret sauce: the right treats.
Yes, while love and patience are important, nothing motivates a puppy like tasty training treats. In this article, we’ll explore the best treats for puppy training, why they matter, and how you can use them effectively.
Why Use Treats for Puppy Training?
Puppies, like humans, learn better with positive reinforcement. Instead of punishing bad behavior, you reward good behavior—and that reward often comes in the form of food.
According to the American Kennel Club, reward-based training is one of the most effective and humane methods for dogs. When your puppy sits, stays, or follows a command, a small treat reinforces the action, making them more likely to repeat it.
Think of it as giving your puppy a little “salary” for a job well done.
What Makes a Good Puppy Training Treat?
Not all treats are created equal. Some are too big, too hard, or even unhealthy for puppies. When selecting the best treats for puppy training, keep these factors in mind:
- Size Matters
- Training sessions involve repetition. Your puppy may eat 20–30 treats in a single session. That’s why treats should be small and bite-sized.
- Soft and Easy to Chew
- Puppies have small teeth. Go for soft treats that can be chewed and swallowed quickly, so they stay focused on learning—not chewing.
- High Value
- Save the tastiest treats for harder tasks. High-value treats include things like freeze-dried meat, cheese, or even cooked chicken.
- Healthy Ingredients
- Look for treats with limited ingredients, no artificial flavors, and added nutrients. You want to support your puppy’s growth, not harm it.
Learn more about safe ingredients from PetMD’s guide on dog treats.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Train with Treats
Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to make treat-based training work like a charm:
Step 1: Choose the Right Treat
Pick a treat your puppy finds irresistible. Start with soft, smelly options.
Step 2: Give a Command
Say the command clearly—like “sit”.
Step 3: Reward Immediately
The moment your puppy follows through, reward them instantly with a treat. Timing is everything.
Step 4: Keep Sessions Short
Train for 5–10 minutes at a time. Puppies have short attention spans.
Step 5: Reduce Treats Over Time
As your pup learns, start replacing treats with praise or toys. This prevents overfeeding while keeping motivation high.
Types of Puppy Training Treats
Now, let’s dive into the best treats for puppy training.
1. Commercial Training Treats
Brands like Zuke’s Mini Naturals and Blue Buffalo Training Bits are specifically designed for puppies. They’re:
- Small
- Low in calories
- Packed with nutrients
Check out Blue Buffalo Puppy Treats for high-quality options.
2. Freeze-Dried Meat Treats
Freeze-dried chicken, beef, or salmon are super tasty and high in protein. Puppies love them, and they’re often used for difficult commands.
Recommended: Stewart Freeze-Dried Dog Treats.
3. Homemade Puppy Treats
If you’re a DIY pet parent, homemade treats are a fantastic choice. You can use simple, safe ingredients like:
- Pumpkin
- Peanut butter (unsalted, xylitol-free)
- Oats
Check this homemade dog treat recipe guide for inspiration.
4. Healthy Everyday Snacks
Not all treats have to be store-bought. Safe human foods for puppies include:
- Carrot sticks (great for teething)
- Apple slices (remove seeds first)
- Cheese cubes (in moderation)
Learn more from ASPCA’s list of safe foods for dogs.
5. High-Value Training Treats
For advanced training or distractions (like the park), you’ll need “jackpot” treats. These can include:
- Boiled chicken
- Turkey
- Liver pieces
These are the ultimate motivators when your puppy is distracted.
How Many Treats Should You Give a Puppy During Training?
Great question! While treats are useful, too many can cause weight gain. A good rule of thumb is that treats should make up no more than 10% of your puppy’s daily calories.
For calorie guidelines, check the Pet Nutrition Alliance Calculator.
Balance training with regular puppy food & diet to ensure they get all the nutrients they need.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even with the best puppy training treats, mistakes can slow progress. Avoid these pitfalls:
- Giving treats too late (your puppy won’t link the action with the reward).
- Overfeeding treats without balancing meals.
- Using boring treats that don’t motivate your pup.
- Forgetting to mix in praise and affection along with treats.
Recommended Products for Puppy Training
To make life easier, here are some editor’s picks you can consider for your pup:
- Zuke’s Mini Naturals Puppy Treats – Perfect size for training.
- Blue Buffalo Bits – Soft and nutritious.
- Stewart Freeze-Dried Chicken Treats – High-value option.
- Homemade Peanut Butter Treats – Affordable and healthy.
Browse Chewy’s training treats section to shop top-rated options.
Final Thoughts
Training your puppy doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right treats, a little patience, and consistency, you’ll be amazed at how quickly your furry friend learns.
Remember:
- Small, soft, and healthy treats work best.
- Use positive reinforcement every step of the way.
- Gradually shift from treats to praise once habits form.
At Whoofio, we believe every puppy deserves the best start in life. That’s why we guide you not only on training but also on grooming, food & diet, and even pet sitting when you need a helping hand.
So next time you’re shopping, don’t just grab any snack—invest in the best puppy training treats. Because every good boy (or girl) deserves a reward for being their amazing self.