Training your dog doesn’t need shouting or complicated equipment. With patience, consistency and the right rewards, you can teach useful behaviours and build a stronger bond at the same time.
Reward-based training — rewarding the behaviour you want to see — is the approach recommended by the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior. Treats are one of the simplest rewards to use.
Key Takeaways
- Reward the behaviour you want immediately.
- Use small, tasty pieces your dog loves.
- Teach one behaviour at a time and keep sessions short.
- Count training treats as part of the daily treat allowance.
- Mistakes are part of learning — make it easier rather than punishing.
Why Treats Work
Dogs repeat behaviours that lead to good things. If your dog sits and a treat follows straight away, sitting becomes worth doing. Over time the behaviour becomes a habit.
Step 1: Choose the Right Reward
A good training treat is:
- Small — a pea-sized piece is enough, so your dog isn’t chewing for ages.
- Tasty — something your dog really wants, especially somewhere distracting.
- Easy to carry — dry treats are less messy in a pocket or pouch.
- Simple — no added salt, onion, garlic or sugar.
Keep a “high-value” reward for harder tasks like coming back at the park. Many dogs rank liver very highly — Savanna™ Chicken Liver breaks easily into tiny pieces. For everyday practice, Kuku Bites™ work well.
🐾 Quick Tip Use a marker word such as “Yes!” the moment your dog gets it right, then give the treat. The word tells your dog exactly what earned the reward.
Step 2: Teach “Sit”
- Hold a small treat near your dog’s nose.
- Slowly move it upwards and slightly back. As the head goes up, most dogs sit.
- The moment they sit, say “Yes!” and give the treat.
- Repeat a few times, then take a break.
- Once your dog sits reliably, say “sit” just before you move your hand.
If your dog doesn’t get it, make it easier. Avoid repeating the command over and over or pushing your dog into position.
Step 3: Teach “Come”
- Start indoors or in a secure garden with no distractions.
- Say your dog’s name and “come” in a happy voice, then step backwards.
- When your dog reaches you, say “Yes!” and reward generously.
- Gradually practise with more distance and more distractions.
Only rely on recall near roads, livestock or other dogs once your dog responds every time in a secure space.
Step 4: Build on Success
| Behaviour | What to reward |
|---|---|
| Sit | Sitting calmly when asked |
| Stay | A few seconds in position, building up slowly |
| Loose-lead walking | Walking beside you without pulling |
| Calm greetings | Four paws on the ground instead of jumping up |
| Settle | Lying down calmly on a mat or bed |
Step 5: Keep Sessions Short
A few minutes of focused practice, a few times a day, works better than one long session. End on a success so your dog finishes keen for more.
Step 6: Fade the Food Lure
Treats help a dog learn, but you don’t want your dog to only listen when it can see food. Once a behaviour is reliable:
- Ask for it without a treat in your hand.
- Reward from your pocket after your dog responds.
- Mix food rewards with praise, play and fun activities.
- Keep rewarding the behaviours that matter most, like coming when called.
How Many Training Treats Is Too Many?
Training treats add up quickly. Treats should make up less than 10% of your dog’s daily calories (WSAVA guidance on feeding treats to dogs). To stay on track:
- Break treats into the smallest pieces your dog will still work for.
- Use part of your dog’s regular food for easy exercises.
- Agree as a household how many treats are given each day.
- If you train a lot, slightly reduce your dog’s main meal.
See how many treats you can give your dog per day for portion guidance by size.
What If My Dog Ignores the Treat?
Your dog may be distracted, worried, full or simply not keen on that treat. Try a quieter spot, make the task easier, or switch to a higher-value reward. Train before meals rather than straight after.
Should I Punish Mistakes?
No. Mistakes are part of learning. Go back a step, reward smaller progress, and reduce distractions. If your dog shows fear or aggression, speak to your vet or a qualified trainer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my dog’s regular food for training? Yes. Setting aside part of the daily ration is a great way to train without adding calories. Save tastier treats for harder tasks.
Can puppies be trained with treats? Yes. Use tiny, soft or easily broken pieces suited to their size. See when puppies can start eating treats.
Do I need to give a treat every time? At first, yes. Once a behaviour is reliable, you can reward some responses with food and others with praise or play.
How long does training take? Every dog is different. Short, regular practice brings steady progress.
Continue Learning
- How Many Treats Can I Give My Dog Per Day?
- When Can Puppies Start Eating Treats?
- Freeze-Dried Dog Treats in Kenya: Complete Buying Guide
- Are Single-Ingredient Dog Treats Better?
Based on the AVSAB Position Statement on Humane Dog Training and WSAVA guidance on feeding treats to dogs. This article is educational and not a substitute for individualised veterinary advice.