Training your dog should be fun, rewarding, and most importantly—stress-free! Whether you're teaching the basics, cracking down on recall, or perfecting an impressive trick, the right treats can make all the difference. Using food as a reward is one of the easiest and most effective ways to reinforce good behaviour, and let’s be honest—what dog doesn’t love a tasty snack? In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about training with treats, plus our top picks from The Stately Hound and JR Pet Products to help you get started.
Why Training Treats Work Best
Let’s talk science for a second—dogs learn through positive reinforcement, meaning they repeat behaviours that get them something good (like a treat). The best training treats are ones that grab their attention and keep them engaged without being too distracting.
Here’s what makes the perfect training treat:
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Small & Bite-Sized: You want quick, easy rewards—not a full meal.
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Tasty & High-Value: Something your dog is obsessed with.
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Low-Calorie: Training means lots of treats, so you don’t want to overdo it.
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Natural & Healthy: Because we care about what goes into our dogs.
Best Training Treats for Dogs
When choosing treats, go for high-protein, natural options with no artificial additives. We love using The Stately Hound's Training Treats and JR Pet Products' 100% Pure Meat Treats because they’re single-ingredient, grain-free, and packed with real meat.
Here are some favourites:
The Stately Hound Training Treats (UK-Made)
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Chicken & Duck Training Treats – Soft, juicy, and irresistible.
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Venison & Lamb Training Treats – Great for fussy eaters or dogs with sensitivities.
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Fish Sausage Slice Rewards – Rich in omega-3 for a shiny coat and brain health.
JR Pet Products 100% Pure Meat Training Treats
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Chicken Training Treats – A classic favourite for all breeds.
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Lamb Training Treats – Gentle on the stomach, great for sensitive dogs.
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Venison Training Treats – A high-value option for top-notch motivation.
Training Tips for Every Dog
Basic Commands (Sit, Stay, Recall)
Starting with the basics? Keep it simple:
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Say the command clearly (e.g., “sit”).
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Show the treat so they know what’s up.
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Wait for them to get it right, then reward immediately.
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Pair with praise – “Good boy/girl!” goes a long way.
Puppy Training (Housebreaking & Socialisation)
Puppies are like little sponges, so make the most of this phase:
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Reward immediately after they go to the toilet outside.
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Use treats to make new experiences (like meeting strangers) positive.
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Keep training sessions short—5-10 minutes max!
Advanced Training (Heel, Tricks, Agility)
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Heel Training: Use treats to keep them by your side while walking.
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Trick Training: Reward every small step, then gradually reduce treat frequency.
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Agility Training: High-value treats like venison or fish sausage slices keep them focused and excited.
Avoid These Common Training Mistakes
Even the best treats won’t work if you fall into these common traps:
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Overfeeding: Stick to tiny treats to prevent weight gain.
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Using Treats as Bribes: Treats should reward—not persuade!
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Being Inconsistent: Reward every time during early training, then phase out gradually.
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Forgetting Praise: Pairing treats with verbal rewards makes training more effective.
How to Transition Away from Treats
Once your dog has mastered a command, it’s time to rely less on treats:
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Reduce treat frequency – Reward every few times instead of every time.
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Increase verbal praise & belly rubs – Dogs love attention!
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Use play or toys – Some dogs prefer a quick game of tug as a reward.
Let’s Get Training!
Training should be fun and rewarding for both you and your dog. With the right treats, you’ll see progress faster and build a stronger bond along the way. Whether you choose The Stately Hound Training Treats or JR Pet Products, you’re giving your dog high-quality, UK-approved snacks that make learning a joy.
🐾 Ready to get started? Shop our full range of natural, grain-free training treats here and watch your dog thrive!