The following recommended treat list starts from lower to higher treat reward value. Remember to vary the type of treat, where it comes from, and once the behavior is known, vary when they get it. The treat lure should only be present when you start a behavior, but once your dog is finding the desired position, it is behavior first, reward second.

Treat size should be the size of a pea or even smaller! Some of the treats listed below come in block or roll form, which requires you to chop them up. When using higher value rewards, understand they are there to utilize but not to depend upon. Use high value for the brilliant moments and high-level distractions. Variety goes a long way! The treats highlighted in BOLD are the ones we most commonly use:

• Dry kibble
• Zuke’s Mini Naturals
• Merrick Power Bites
• Happy Howie’s Dog Food Rolls
• Biljac Frozen Dog Food
• Anything Freeze Dried, but here are some to check out:
  • Freeze Dried: Crumps Naturals Mini Trainers
  • Freeze Dried: Bellyrub Organics
  • Freeze Dried: BIXBI Rawbble
  • Freeze Dried: Primal Nuggets
  • Freeze Dried: Sojos Simply Turkey or Lamb
• Freshpet Vital (grain-free) chicken, beef, salmon recipe
• Prepackaged squeeze tubes (excellent for building loose leash walking):
  • Poochie Butter
  • Bark Pouches
• Cooked turkey
• Cooked chicken (This can vary; boiled chicken is not even close to barbecued chicken!)
• Tripe
• Hot dogs
• Cheddarwurst
• Extra sharp cheddar cheese (Cabot’s is the winner!)
• Canned cat food
• Baby food (meat-based)

This list is not exhaustive. Always experiment and see what causes your dog’s eyes to twinkle. For some, it might be blueberries, others carrots, hard crunchy biscuits, or for one of our dogs, Seymour Springbottom, it is freshly picked cucumbers off the vine.

Please keep in mind, food is one part of the reinforcement equation. Not all dogs are motivated by food; the above is for those motivated in such a way. Toys, sniffaris, petting, “Pool,” Incredibubbles, etc., are examples of reinforcers.

We all have different tastes, and that includes our dogs. At the end of the day life rewards are what reinforce behavior and that includes you!

What are some of your dog’s favorite rewards? Drop us a line we would love to know!