Training your dog is one of the most rewarding parts of being a pet parent—but let’s be honest, it’s not always a walk in the park. That’s where training treats come in. When used the right way, treats can motivate your pup, reinforce good behavior, and build a strong bond between you and your dog. But not all treats are created equal. If you’re using a dozen snacks a day, they better be healthy!
At Hubert Pet, we’re all about dog training with treats that support your pup’s well-being—not compromise it. Let’s dive into how to train effectively using treats and how to choose the best healthy dog treats for the job.
Why Use Treats for Dog Training?
Treats are one of the most effective tools in positive reinforcement training. Instead of punishing bad behavior, you reward the good—which encourages your dog to repeat it.
The Science Behind It
Dogs learn best when they're rewarded immediately after performing a desired behavior. That reward triggers a release of dopamine in the brain, reinforcing the action in a way they’ll remember. Treats are fast, tasty, and satisfying—perfect for teaching both simple commands and advanced tricks.
Benefits of Dog Training with Treats
- Builds a stronger bond with your pup
- Encourages faster learning
- Makes training fun and engaging
- Helps reduce behavioral problems
- Reinforces good habits, especially in young or rescue dogs
Choosing the Right Training Treats
Not every treat on the shelf is ideal for training. You want something small, tasty, and healthy—especially if you're giving your dog a bunch of them in one session.
What to Look for in Healthy Dog Treats
When picking treats for training, check the label! Here are the top things to look for:
- Single-ingredient: The fewer the ingredients, the better.
- High protein: Keeps your pup energized and focused.
- Low fat and low calorie: Important for regular training sessions.
- Grain-free: Easier on sensitive stomachs.
- No additives or artificial colors: Just real food, real flavor.
At HubertPet.com, we offer a variety of healthy dog treats made from real, wholesome ingredients like chicken breast, duck, and cod skin—perfect for training.
How to Use Treats Effectively in Dog Training
It’s not just about having the right treats—it’s about using them the right way. Here's how to make the most of dog training with treats.
Keep It Small
Training treats should be tiny. Think the size of a pea or smaller. The goal is to reward, not fill your dog up. Plus, smaller treats mean you can give more without worrying about overfeeding.
Be Consistent
Dogs thrive on consistency. Always reward your dog immediately after they perform the desired behavior. If you wait too long, they might not associate the treat with the action.
Use the 3-Second Rule
The golden window: reward your dog within 3 seconds of the behavior. This timing helps your dog make the connection between action and reward.
Mix It Up
Change the flavor, texture, or treat level depending on the task:
- Basic commands (sit, stay): Use lower-value treats.
- New or hard tricks (recall, leash walking): Break out the high-value goodies.
- Distraction-heavy environments (dog parks, walks): Use their absolute favorite.
Best Training Treats from Hubert Pet
We know that you want only the best for your pup, so here are some of our top-rated training treats from HubertPet.com:
🐾 All-Natural Chicken Jerky Treats
Made with 100% real chicken, these treats are high in protein, low in fat, and perfect for cutting into smaller pieces for training. Plus, they're grain-free and contain no artificial preservatives.
🐾 Duck Breast Dog Treats
A great option for dogs with sensitivities, duck is a novel protein that many pups find irresistible. These treats are soft enough to break up and use during training sessions.
🐾 Cod Skin Crunchies
High in Omega-3s and made from just one ingredient—real cod skin. These are fantastic for brain health, coat shine, and motivation.
🐾 Training Treat Variety Packs
Can’t decide? Our variety packs let you test out multiple proteins and flavors so you can figure out what your dog responds to best during training.
Avoid These Common Training Mistakes
Even well-intentioned dog parents can make a few hiccups in the training process. Here’s what to watch out for:
❌ Over-Treating
Yes, treats are great—but moderation matters. Use very small pieces, and balance treat-based training with praise and petting.
❌ Inconsistent Cues
Using “come” one day and “here” the next? That’ll just confuse your dog. Keep your verbal cues consistent and pair them with hand signals when possible.
❌ Treating Too Late
Timing is everything. If you reward your dog after they’ve moved on from the behavior (like sitting, then standing), they’ll associate the treat with the wrong action.
When to Wean Off Treats
Treats are great in the early stages of training, but eventually, you'll want your dog to respond to commands without always expecting food.
Here’s how to fade treats gradually:
- Start spacing out treats: Reward every second or third time instead of every time.
- Replace with praise: Use a happy tone, petting, or a toy as alternative rewards.
- Use a variable reward schedule: Like a slot machine, keep your dog guessing—they’ll stay motivated!
Real Talk: Why Healthy Dog Treats Matter
You're going to be feeding your dog a LOT of treats during training. That means quality is non-negotiable. Low-quality treats with fillers, grains, and additives can lead to:
- Weight gain
- Allergies
- Digestive issues
- Lack of focus during training
By using healthy dog treats from trusted brands like Hubert Pet, you’re not just training smarter—you’re feeding smarter too. All our treats are:
- Single-ingredient or limited ingredient
- USA-tested and approved
- Free of artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives
- High in protein and low in junk
Training Is a Journey (and Treats Make It Tasty)
Every dog is different, but one thing’s for sure: they all respond to love, patience, and good snacks. By mastering dog training with treats and choosing healthy dog treats that actually support your pup’s health, you’re setting the stage for success—whether you’re teaching “sit,” “stay,” or “don’t eat the mailman.”
Ready to stock up on training treats that your dog will actually work for?
Check out our healthy, high-protein selection at HubertPet.com—because a well-trained dog starts with the right treat in your pocket.
