Training a puppy comes with plenty of excitement, but it also requires consistency, patience, and the right motivation. For most dogs, that motivation comes in the form of treats.

Using puppy training treats is one of the most effective ways to reinforce positive behaviour, whether you’re working on basic commands, recall, or socialisation. But not all treats are created equal. The size, texture, ingredients, and even smell can all influence how well your puppy responds.

In this guide, we’ll explore what makes a good training treat, the different types available, and how to use them effectively to support your puppy’s learning.

What are the best treats for puppy training?

The best treats for puppy training are those that are quick to eat, highly appealing, and easy to handle during repeated training sessions.

When you’re rewarding a behaviour, timing is everything. If your puppy takes too long to chew or loses interest, the moment is lost. That’s why training treats need to be small, soft, and enticing enough to keep their attention.

Good puppy training treats should be:

• Small (pea-sized or smaller): This allows you to reward your puppy frequently without overfeeding. For example, a single larger treat can often be broken into multiple smaller pieces, making it more practical for longer sessions.
• Soft or semi-moist: Softer treats are easier and quicker for puppies to chew, which keeps the training session flowing. This is especially important for younger puppies who are still developing their teeth.
• Highly palatable: Strong-smelling treats tend to grab your puppy’s attention more effectively. Ingredients like chicken, liver, or fish are often more enticing than bland biscuit-style treats.
• Low in calories: Since training involves repeated rewards, lower-calorie treats help prevent your puppy from consuming too much in one day. This is particularly important if you’re doing multiple sessions.
• Made with simple, high-quality ingredients: Treats with clear, recognisable ingredients are often easier to digest and a better choice for growing puppies. This can also help if your puppy has sensitivities.

Treats that tick these boxes help keep training sessions smooth, focused, and rewarding for your puppy.

Why the right puppy training treats matter

Treats aren’t just a reward; they’re a key part of how your puppy learns.

Most modern training methods rely on positive reinforcement, where desirable behaviours are rewarded to encourage repetition. When your puppy sits, comes back when called, or walks nicely on the lead, a treat reinforces that they’ve done the right thing.

Choosing the right treats helps to:

• Improve focus during training sessions: A high-quality treat can keep your puppy engaged for longer, especially in environments where there are distractions like other dogs or new smells.
• Increase motivation: Puppies are more likely to repeat behaviours if the reward feels worthwhile. A more appealing treat can make a noticeable difference in their enthusiasm.
• Speed up learning: Clear, consistent rewards help your puppy quickly understand which behaviours are expected, making training more efficient.
• Build confidence: Rewarding positive behaviour in new situations, such as meeting people or exploring unfamiliar places, can help your puppy feel more secure and relaxed.

On the other hand, low-quality or unsuitable treats can slow progress. If a treat isn’t exciting enough, your puppy may ignore it, particularly when there are distractions around.

Types of puppy training treats to use

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to puppy treats for training. Different situations call for different types of rewards.

Soft training treats

These are often the go-to option for everyday training.

• Easy for puppies to chew quickly: This keeps momentum going during training, rather than pausing while your puppy chews.
• Ideal for repeated rewards: Because they’re small and soft, they can be given frequently without interrupting the session.
• Less messy and easy to handle: Many soft treats can be broken into smaller pieces without crumbling, making them practical for use on the go.

Natural treats

Natural, single-ingredient treats are a popular choice for owners who want to keep things simple.

• Typically made from one protein source: For example, air-dried chicken or liver, which makes it easier to know exactly what your puppy is eating.
• No unnecessary additives or fillers: This can be helpful if you’re trying to avoid artificial ingredients or support a more natural diet.
• Often highly appealing to dogs: The strong smell and taste of natural treats can make them especially effective for training.

High-value treats for more challenging training

Some situations require a little extra incentive.

• Great for recall training: When you need your puppy to come back reliably, a higher-value reward can make all the difference.
• Useful in new or busy environments: Parks, streets, or group settings can be distracting, so a more exciting treat helps keep your puppy focused.
• Best used in moderation: Because these treats are more appealing (and often richer), they’re most effective when saved for more difficult tasks.

Examples include small pieces of cooked chicken or a tiny amount of cheese.

Shop-bought vs homemade treats

Both options can work well, depending on your routine.

• Shop-bought treats offer convenience: They’re easy to store, consistent in size, and ready to use straight away.
• Homemade treats give you full control: You can choose exactly what goes into them, which can be helpful for puppies with specific dietary needs.
• A mix of both can be ideal: Many owners use shop-bought treats for everyday training and homemade options for higher-value rewards.

What to avoid when choosing puppy treats for training

Knowing what to avoid is just as important as knowing what to use.

Try to avoid:

• Hard or crunchy treats: These take longer to chew, which can interrupt the flow of training and cause your puppy to lose focus.
• Large treats: Bigger treats slow things down and can lead to overfeeding if used frequently.
• High-fat or high-calorie options: These can quickly add up, especially during regular training sessions, and may not be suitable for young puppies.
• Artificial additives, colours, or fillers: Some puppies can be sensitive to these ingredients, and they don’t add any real benefit to training.
• Anything not suitable for puppies: Always check that treats are appropriate for your puppy’s age and size to avoid potential health risks.

How many treats should you use when training a puppy

It’s easy to worry about giving too many treats, especially during frequent training sessions.

A good rule of thumb is that treats should make up no more than around 10% of your puppy’s daily calorie intake.

To manage this:

• Use very small pieces: Even a standard treat can often be split into several smaller rewards, making it last longer.
• Adjust regular meals if needed: If you’re doing a lot of training, slightly reducing your puppy’s meal portions can help balance things out.
• Spread training throughout the day: Short, regular sessions prevent overfeeding in one go and help reinforce learning more effectively.
• Monitor your puppy’s weight and energy levels: This can help you adjust treat amounts if needed as your puppy grows.

How to use puppy training treats effectively

Even the best treats won’t work if they’re not used in the right way.

• Reward immediately: Give the treat as soon as your puppy performs the desired behaviour so they clearly understand what they’re being rewarded for.
• Pair treats with verbal praise: Using a consistent word like “good” alongside the treat helps your puppy associate the behaviour with positive feedback.
• Keep sessions short and positive: Puppies can lose focus quickly, so 5–10 minute sessions are often more effective than longer ones.
• Be consistent with commands: Using the same words and tone each time helps avoid confusion and reinforces learning.
• Gradually reduce reliance on treats: As your puppy improves, start rewarding intermittently and use praise or play to maintain the behaviour.

When to switch or upgrade your puppy training treats

It’s normal for puppies to lose interest in the same treats over time.

You might notice:

• Slower responses to commands: Your puppy may hesitate or seem less eager to engage.
• Increased distraction: Other sights, sounds, or smells may become more interesting than the treat you’re offering.
• Less enthusiasm during training: A previously effective treat may no longer hold the same appeal.

When this happens, you can:

• Introduce a higher-value treat: Something more exciting can help regain your puppy’s attention.
• Rotate flavours or textures: Variety can keep things interesting and prevent boredom.
• Reserve special treats for more difficult tasks: This helps maintain their value and effectiveness.

Recommended puppy training treats from Woofintons Emporium

Choosing high-quality treats can make a noticeable difference to your puppy’s training experience.

At Woofintons Emporium, the focus is on simple ingredients, great taste, and options that work well for both everyday training and more advanced situations. Having a range of treats to choose from makes it easier to match the reward to the task, whether that’s basic obedience at home or practising recall in a busy environment.

Browse our specially curated puppy friendly treats to help keep your puppy engaged and motivated as they learn.