Training Treats My Pack Will Work For 🧠

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We do a LOT of basic training at home. Sit. Down. Wait. Touch. Spin. 🌀

Why? To work their minds and wear them out. A tired brain means a calm pup, and a calm pup means I get my free time. Hahaha. 💅☕

The trick is a high-value treat they'll keep working for. Here are my picks. I'll keep adding to this list as we find more winners.

My picks

1. My go-to: Wellness Soft Puppy Bites 🐟

Wellness Soft Puppy Bites, Lamb & Salmon, 8 oz

• Soft and bite-sized, so they eat it fast and get right back to work.
• 6 calories per treat, per the brand.
• Lamb and salmon, grain free, no corn, wheat, or soy.
• Made in the USA. Over 51,000 ratings.
• Don't let the "puppy" fool you. Grown-ups love them too. 😂

How we train 🎓

• Short sessions. Two or three minutes is plenty. Puppies, even less.
• Tiny pieces. Pea-sized. Break them up. More reps, fewer calories.
• End on a win, while they still want more.
• Rewards, not punishment. Always.

The honest part

• Treats have calories. Keep treats to 10% or less of their daily calories, and cut back their dinner a bit on big training days.
• "Puppy" treats aren't a meal. They're a treat.
• Got a dog with allergies or a special diet? Check with your vet before trying a new treat.

Real facts, no fluff

• AVSAB, the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior, recommends only reward-based methods for all dog training. (AVSAB)
• AVSAB says about three minutes is plenty for most dogs. Puppies may only manage about a minute, and it's best to end while your dog still wants more. (AVSAB)
• AVSAB suggests breaking treats into pea-sized pieces and cutting meals a little to make room for training calories. (AVSAB)
• AVSAB also says training is mentally stimulating and enriching. (AVSAB)
• WSAVA and VCA both say treats should be no more than 10% of a dog's daily calories. (WSAVA; VCA)

Vet note: I'm not a vet, and this isn't vet advice. Ask your vet about the right treat budget for your dog, especially if they're on a special diet.