The Best Treats for the Best Tricks

By Hilarie Erb, professional dog trainer and member of the AKC GoodDog! Helpline team. 

It feels good to make our dogs happy by giving them treats – sometimes just for being cute and other times because they have been such a good girl or boy. Keep reading for treat ideas that will perk up your dog’s ears and motivate him to work extra hard.

So, what makes a good treat?

There are many tasty store-bought treats out there. They are convenient, and most dogs are happy to get them, but sometimes more exciting treats are called for. You will be surprised at how much more eagerly your dog will work for them.

The highest value treats, the people-food types that dogs will work the hardest for, are often what some owners consider to be the least healthy. But everything in moderation; you only use these when distractions are high and are teaching your dog something new and difficult — and in very small pieces. Even large dogs do not need reward bigger than a small pea – a little goes a long way.

Cool fall weather may inspire you to whip up some special goodies or do some baking. At this time of year ,pumpkin treats are appropriate. Read Three Pumpkin Recipes for Dog Treats to learn how. If you like, you can substitute cooked sweet potatoes for the pumpkin in the recipes.

For training:

Use very small treats. You don’t want to waste time waiting for your dog to chew something big and crunchy. By the time it’s gone, he’s forgotten what it was for in the first place! It is very satisfying for the dog to get a tiny piece of something delicious and then quickly move on to the next opportunity to earn more.

Your dog’s day is full of “teachable moments,” times that you have the ability to provide something she wants. For example: opening the door to let her out, waiting for meals to be put down, sitting while you put on the leash are a few. For these things the rewards are opening the door after she sits and waits, giving her the okay to eat after she sits, and going on a walk after getting the leash on. No food necessary!

But when training, teaching your dog something new, or working in a very distracting environment, high-value treats are usually the best motivator. Some treats that work well for these situations:

• Chicken
• Hot dog pieces
• Leftover meat, such as lean steak, lamb, or pork
• Cheese (string cheese, individually wrapped is convenient)

If these are too messy, you can bake them in the oven at a low temperature until they are somewhat dried out – not crunchy. Then blot them with paper towels. To make the meat go farther and reduce the number of calories for your dog, keep the pieces in a plastic baggie with some Cheerios. The cereal will take on the smell and flavor of the meat, and they go down quickly – gorp for dogs!

Other dog-friendly treats you probably already have around the house:

Lower value treats:

• Carrots
• Apples
• Broccoli
• Green beans (unsalted – canned or frozen)
• Green peas
• Sweet potatoes (cooked)
• Blueberries (frozen or fresh)
• Popcorn (unsalted, no butter)
• Pumpkin (pure pumpkin, not pie filling)
• Your dog’s regular kibble

High value:

• Peanut butter
• Salmon
• Cheese
• Eggs (cooked)
• Chicken
• Hot dogs
• Meat (leftover steak, hamburger)

Longer-lasting, lower value treats are good when it’s time for a nap in the crate or to just hang out on his bed. One of those home-made biscuits or a carrot stick will be appreciated. Most dogs enjoy crunchy snacks, and they are perfect for when there is more time to enjoy them.

It may seem like you don’t have time for training, but you don’t need long stretches of time. In fact, your dog will have more fun if you train for short periods several times a day. Practice a few tricks, sits, downs, etc. while you are in the kitchen having your morning coffee. A few minutes after a walk is a good time and whenever you take a break. Basically, any time during the day when your dog is hanging around and needs an opportunity to earn some goodies, having some fun with you.

Join the AKC GoodDog! Helpline TODAY at the discount price of $59.99 — $20 off the regular fee. This provides lifetime training support for your dog. No renewals are necessary.

The Helpline is a seven-day-a-week telephone support service staffed by trainers who can answer your training and behavioral questions. For more information about the service and enrolling: https://www.akc.org/products-services/akc-gooddog-helpline.