The one tool that is essential to training your dog is treats. When you have a food-motivated dog, it is essential to find the best dog training treats for them to be receptive to your commands.
Finding the best dog training treats for your dog is a matter of figuring out what exactly your dog enjoys the most. By understanding this, you will be able to have different levels of treats for training.
If you have ever taken a dog to a trainer, or if you look up training videos online, you will see that they frequently use the terms “high value” and “low value” in regards to treats. These levels are correlated to the amount of value your dog places on certain rewards versus others. It is important to remember that this ranking system is entirely up to your dog and not based on your thoughts of what might sound better for your dog.
Typically you want to look for a moist or freeze-dried protein option that your dog will be able to smell easy. You also want to make sure, through trial and error, that this is a protein that your dog seems to favor. You can use these treats sparingly and in particular circumstances, including introducing new behaviors, highly distracting environments, and counter-conditioning.
For medium value treats, you want to find a semi-moist or dry treat made from ingredients your dog isn’t used to eating in their meals. These will be used much more frequently than high value treats and should have a lower caloric content. You will want to reward your dog with a medium value treat when reinforcing a previously learned behavior, in mildly distracting areas, and throughout the day for positive reinforcement of good behavior.
Although they are the lowest value level to your dogs, low value treats still serve an essential role in your dog’s training. Because of the lower caloric content than both high and medium value treats, low value treats are typically crunchy. You can even utilize your dog’s dry food as low value treats. You will use low value treats when your dog offers a “C” performance for behaviors, in low to no distraction environments, and when working to fade out the use of treats.
Once you understand what treats your dog likes the best, you can begin to rank them to develop a level. Having different gauges of treats is important to your training because, with it, you will be able to:
While there are many benefits to developing a level system of ranking treats for your dog, the most will be your dog’s receptiveness to training.
Now that you have a better idea of the level ranking system for dog treats, take a look at some of our top picks for the best dog training treats out there.
As previously mentioned, for your high value treats, you want to provide some sort of protein source that has a strong scent. These Zesty Paws Select Essentials Freeze Dried Raw Treats have higher caloric content, so you want to save these for special moments in training to avoid excess weight gain in your dog as a result.
Because this freeze-dried raw chicken comes packaged in a resealable ziplock bag, the larger chunks at the bottom tend to break down. Luckily, this product can also be used as a meal topper for picky eaters, so you can just sprinkle the remnants from the bottom of the bag on meals.
Zuke’s is a leading soft training treat brand providing multiple flavor options and packaging sizes. Determining your dog’s favorite flavors might take some trial and error, but once you do you know that the Zuke’s Mini Naturals Training Dog Treats will be an excellent medium value treat for your training.
At only three calories per treat, these mini naturals training treats are great to use as a medium value treat without having to worry about your dog packing on extra pounds. While the leading majority of dog owners love this product and have no issues, those that have tried to contact Zuke’s customer service have experienced some difficulty.
Providing all-natural treat options for your dog is important regardless of the value level of the treat. It is equally important that they craft their low value treats from care. With the IMK9 Peanut Bubba Organic Peanut Butter Dog Training Treats, you can rest assured that this all-natural recipe will help to support your dog’s balanced diet.
Crunchy treats do take your dog a few extra moments to eat and can slow down your training in the process. Some pet owners have found that their dogs aren’t keen on the taste of these treats, but luckily IMK9 backs their product with a 100% money-back guarantee.
When you are shopping around from our list of best dog training treats, make sure you keep your dog’s preferences in mind. While some value chicken above all else, others might prefer red meat. Textures can also play a crucial role in a treat in the eyes of your dog.
What’s most important is developing the level of value in treats for your dog to begin a training process with them successfully. In the end, both you and your dog will be happy with the results.
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