Trainer-Approved Dog Treats: What We Actually Use for Training ๐พ
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
Updated: 3 days ago
When it comes to dog training, treats arenโt just rewards โ theyโre communication tools.
The right treat can:
improve focus
speed up learning
reduce frustration
help anxious or reactive dogs regulate
strengthen the relationship between dog and owner
The wrong treat? Too big, too sugary, too boring, or too hard to chewโฆ and suddenly your dog disengages, gets overstimulated, or stops working altogether.
At Z Dog Training Academy, we use treats intentionally. Below are the exact types of rewards we rely on in day training, private sessions, and board & train to build confidence, engagement, and real-life obedience.
(Youโll find our favorite picks linked throughout this post.)
How We Choose Training Treats
Not all treats belong in training. We look for:
Soft texture โ fast eating = more repetitions
Small pieces โ keeps dogs engaged without filling them up
High smell value โ scent drives motivation more than flavor
Limited ingredients โ better for digestion + focus
Tiered value โ everyday rewards vs. high-distraction rewards
Training success often comes down to one thing:
Does your reward match the difficulty of the environment?
Which Treats Work Best for Each Dog
Puppies
soft
gentle on digestion
easy to break apart
low calorie for frequent rewards
Reactive or anxious dogs
extra high-value
strong scent
emotionally engaging
Everyday obedience training
small, repeatable rewards
low calorie
not overly exciting
Our Go-To Training Treats (What We Use Daily)
These are staples in our training programs. Theyโre reliable, motivating, and practical for repetition-based learning.
Everyday Training Rewards
Best for:
leash work
name game
engagement building
foundational obedience
Trainer tip: Use these for skills your dog already understands. Save higher-value treats for harder environments.
High-Value Treats for Hard Environments
These come out when distractions are high:
public outings
reactive dog work
fear-based behaviors
new environments
Why they matter: Dogs donโt โdisobeyโ when overwhelmed โ they lose emotional regulation. Higher-value rewards help bring them back into thinking mode.
Trainer tip: Donโt use these at home. Keep them special so their value stays high.
Puppy-Friendly Training Treats
For young dogs, the goal isnโt excitement โ itโs safe engagement.
Look for:
gentle ingredients
soft chew
small size
easy digestion
Trainer tip: Puppies learn through repetition. The right treat allows dozens of rewards without overstimulation.
Treat Mistakes Most Dog Owners Make
These slow training down more than people realize.
Using kibble in high-distraction environments: Your dog needs motivation that matches the difficulty.
Treats that are too large Big rewards break momentum and reduce repetitions.
Overfeeding during training Use pea-sized portions. Training is about frequency, not volume.
Using the same treat for everything Dogs need a reward hierarchy.
Bribing vs. reinforcing Treats should mark behavior, not beg for it.
How to Use Treats Effectively in Training
Treats are tools โ not crutches.
Key principles we coach clients on:
Reward timing matters more than treat type
Pair treats with a marker word (โyesโ)
Fade food once behaviors are learned
Use food to build confidence, not dependency
Match reward value to emotional state
The goal isnโt to always carry treats.
The goal is to use them strategically until:
habits form
emotional regulation improves
communication is clear
A Trainerโs Perspective
At Z Dog, we donโt just use treats for obedience.
We use them to:
build trust
shape emotional responses
reduce fear
create engagement
strengthen the relationship between dog and owner
Food is one of the fastest ways to communicate safety and clarity to a dog.
When used intentionally, it accelerates everything.
Not Sure What Motivates Your Dog?
This is something we evaluate in every training program.
Some dogs need:
confidence-building rewards
higher-value motivation
structured engagement practice
Others need:
lower stimulation
consistency
environmental exposure
If youโre unsure what your dog responds to most, we can help you identify that and build a plan around it.
Want Help Building Engagement With Your Dog?
Whether you're raising a puppy, working through reactivity, or just want better focus and obedience, choosing the right rewards is part of the process.
Our team works with dog owners every day to:
build motivation
improve focus
create calm structure
strengthen communication
You donโt have to figure it out alone.
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