The Truth About Training Treats
Not all treats are created equal — especially when it comes to training. The right treat can accelerate learning. The wrong one can derail months.
What Actually Matters
Size and speed of consumption. Your dog should be able to wolf down the treat in one bite while you deliver the next command. If they are still chewing, you have lost the training moment. Pea-sized for small dogs, thumbnail-sized for large dogs.
Price Does Not Matter
You do not need premium organic free-range chicken treats. A bag of plain training treats from the grocery store works just fine. Spend your money on high-quality dog food, not $25 bags of treats your dog will inhale in 30 seconds.
Bully Sticks for Longer Sessions
These are great for longer training sessions where you want something to occupy your dog between commands. They are natural, single-ingredient, and last longer. Watch for size — supervise to avoid choking hazards.
Pro tip: use your dogs regular kibble for basic commands like sit and stay. Reserve high-value treats for recall training. This keeps calories in check and makes the good stuff feel genuinely rewarding.
Bottom line: tiny, fast, and high-value. If your dog can get the treat faster than they can think about the command, you are doing it right.
Enzo’s Pet Place