Ever wonder what professional dog trainers keep in their treat pouches? Spoiler alert: it’s not just whatever’s lying around in the pantry!
Whether you’re working on basic commands, loose leash walking, or advanced tricks, choosing the right dog treats as a reward makes all the difference. So, let’s take a peek inside a trainer’s toolkit and find out what treats work best!
What Makes a Great Training Treat?
When it comes to training treats, think small, scent-y, and super tasty. The goal is to keep your dog engaged and eager to learn without spending too much time chewing (or leaving a pile of crumbs behind). Here’s what to look for:
- Quick to eat – Dog treats should be small enough for your dog to gobble up in seconds so you can keep the momentum going.
- Super tasty & smelly – The more irresistible and aromatic the treat, the more motivated your pup will be! Think meaty, cheesy, or even peanut buttery with a scent that makes your dog’s nose twitch with excitement! Treats like freeze-dried liver or our Pointer Duck and Orange Rolls are popular choices.
- Healthy & nutritious – Training means lots of rewards, so it’s best to pick treats with wholesome ingredients.
High-Stakes vs. Low-Stakes Rewards
Dog trainers know that not all dog treats are equally as tasty to our furry friends, and that’s where the concept of high-stakes and low-stakes rewards comes into play.
High-Stakes Rewards – These are the “wow” treats – super tasty, irresistible, and often reserved for difficult or high-energy tasks. Think along the lines of cheese cubes, jerky, freeze-dried liver, or our Bacon and Cheese Flavoured Toastees – a massive hit with cheese and meat loving pooches! These dog treats are used for big moments, like teaching a challenging trick or when your dog is really nailing a new skill.
Low-Stakes Rewards – These treats, on the other hand, are still tasty but a bit less exciting. Think a regular training biscuit like our Milky Petite Bones – or a small piece of kibble. They’re great for reinforcing basic commands or simple behaviours. These dog treats help maintain motivation throughout a training session without overwhelming your dog with too much excitement.
By varying the rewards based on the task at hand, you keep your dog engaged, making the experience fun while still maintaining their focus.
Are Pointer Treats Good for Training?
Absolutely!
Pointer has some great options for training rewards. While some of our treats, like Grain-Free Sticks, are designed for longer chewing sessions and can serve as a high-stake treat, we also have a wide range of smaller, bite-sized treats that work perfectly for longer training sessions.
The key is using treats that can be eaten in one quick nibble – this keeps training flowing smoothly without distractions. Pointer Meaty Beefy Rolls fit the bill perfectly, offering just the right size for quick rewards without overloading your dog’s tummy. Or, why not try some Peanut Butter Flavoured Paws? Just break them into smaller pieces and you’re good to go!
Plus, Pointer bakes their biscuits to a perfect crunch, helping to support strong teeth while keeping your pup energised and motivated throughout training!
What treat motivates your pup the most? Share your training stories with us on Instagram or Facebook. For more tips and tricks on choosing the best treats, visit our blog.
