Updated January 8, 2024

Most people know to use a training treat when teaching their dog a new trick, but do you know which type of treat is best to use? Not every dog will like every treat, so knowing what works best for you will help ensure a successful experience. There are several varieties available, including soft and chewy treats, crunchy treats, and longer-term chews that all make for excellent rewards — but may not be the best for training. Read on to see which type is best for you and your dog’s needs. 

Uses for Training Treats

While treats are useful for more than just training, they are commonly used during training sessions, especially if you’re focusing on positive reinforcement training. You can use different treats to reward your dog for behaving calmly, as a way to enrich their environment, or to keep them busy. Treats come into three general types: Soft and chewy, crunchy, and long-lasting. 

Soft and Chewy

A soft and chewy treat is generally small and easy for your dog to quickly swallow down. Examples include soft chews, freeze-dried liver treats, and other easy-to-break apart items. Hot dogs and pieces of boiled chicken are also considered soft and chewy treats.

• Good for: Soft and chewy treats are great for regular training sessions. They are easily eaten by your dog so you can give several training commands without having to wait long. They are also easily pulled apart into tiny morsels so your dog isn’t too full by the end of training, and you can control the portion size when giving them.

• Bad for: While great for quick snacks during training, these treats aren’t great for long-term distractions. These treats can also go bad or smelly if left in a chew toy or if they get damp.

Crunchy

Crunchy treats, such as Milk Bones or other biscuits that snap apart or crumble are a great regular treat to give and offer many benefits, including helping to keep your dog’s teeth clean. If you can break them small enough, they can also be an easy-to-give training treat.

• Good for: These treats are excellent for giving as a snack or just as a general reward. Since they are more shelf-stable, these treats are also great to stuff into a Kong or other chew toy. This gives your dog a challenge and keeps their brain active with an enriching activity.

• Bad for: While these treats can be used in training, they can be harder to break up into smaller pieces and can leave behind a lot of crumbs in your pockets. However, if you need something that is more shelf stable while working in a hot environment or outdoors for a long period they may be a better option.

Long-term Chews

Long-term chews, such as Greenies, Nylabone, and other edible chews are great for enrichment and distraction. They’re a useful reward to give after a training session, or when working on your dog being calm and quiet.

• Good for: These treats are excellent to give under supervision when you want to keep your dog occupied for a while. They are also great when stuffed into a Kong or other chew toy for an added challenge post-training.

• Bad for: These aren’t great treats for training since they take so long to eat! They can also be messy and break into pieces or crumbs and can fill your dog up too much in between meals. You want to use them as an in-between treat, rather than during your training session.

Now that you know the various types of treats on the market, try out a few varieties to see what your dog likes best. You should have a few of each type available for use as a training treat, as well as some to give as rewards during and after training. A variety of treats also make a great enrichment tool stuffed in a chew toy, hidden around the house for your dog to find, or just as a reward for being good.

Ready to put those treats to good use? Check out one of our books for the top tricks to teach your dog, or schedule a consultation today!