Training your dog is one of the most rewarding parts of owning a dog.  Whether you're teaching basic commands like sit and stay, or fancy tricks like spin or play dead, one thing is essential: treats.

But not just any treat. The right training treat can make the difference between a distracted pup and a focused superstar. Let’s break down everything you need to know about using dog treats for training.

Why are Treats so Important for Training?

Treats are a form of positive reinforcement—a proven training method that encourages good behaviour through rewards. When your dog gets something tasty after doing something right, they’re more likely to repeat the behaviour.

What makes a good Training Treat?

✔️ Small Size

Training requires repetition and giving full-sized treats over and over can add too many calories—and too much chewing. Go for tiny, bite-sized treats you can give frequently.

✔️ High Value

When you’re asking your dog to focus (especially in a distracting environment), the reward has to be worth it. High-value treats are:

• Smelly (think liver, fish, cheese)
• Moist and chewy (easier to eat quickly)
• Super tasty (to your dog, not necessarily to you!)

✔️ Low in Calories

Since you’ll be giving multiple treats during a session, look for low-calorie options to avoid overfeeding.

Types of Treat Perfect for Training

Here are some great types of training treats to try:

Freeze-Dried Meat Treats - Single-ingredient treats like freeze-dried chicken, beef liver, or salmon are nutritious and loved by most dogs.

Soft Training Bites - Pre-cut, soft treats made specifically for training are convenient and designed to be low-calorie and easy to chew.

Cheese Cubes or Hot Dog Slices - These "human foods" are dog favourites. Use sparingly and cut them into tiny pieces!

Healthy Veggie Bits - Believe it or not, some dogs love carrots, green beans, or cucumber slices. These are low-cal and great for sensitive stomachs.

Tips for Training with Treats

• Use a variety: Mixing it up keeps your dog excited and engaged.
• Timing is everything: Give the treat immediately after the desired behaviour—within 1–2 seconds—for your dog to make the connection.
• Fade the treat: Once your dog masters a command, start rewarding every other time, then eventually only occasionally. This keeps the behaviour strong without over-relying on food.

Training with treats isn’t just effective – it makes learning fun for your dog.  With the right treats, a little patience, you’ll have a well-trained dog.

Here at Riverside we have lots of treats perfect for training  your dog.  Why not check out our Natural Mini Bites or our Riverside Premium Pate to name a few.

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