Quick answer: The best training treats are small, soft, smelly and quick to eat, so your dog stays focused on you instead of crunching. Break them into pea sized pieces, count them as part of your dog's daily food, and save the best ones for the hardest jobs.
What makes a good training treat?
Training works when rewards come fast and often. That means the treat itself should not slow things down. Look for these traits:
- Small: Pea sized or smaller, so you can reward many times in one session.
- Soft: Easy to swallow in a second or two. Crunchy treats leave crumbs and a pause.
- Smelly: A strong scent grabs attention, especially outdoors or around other dogs.
- Low effort: A treat that needs lots of chewing ends the lesson early.
- Simple: A short ingredient list is easier to manage, especially for dogs with tummies that need care.
Treats that fit the job
Our Barke. Treats are Australian made, with single ingredient options and no additives or preservatives. These three suit training once you break them down:
- Premium Beef Liver is an 80g pack at chew level 1 (Soft). It is our softest option, ideal for tiny reward pieces.
- Premium Lamb Liver is a 150g pack made from 100% lamb liver. A bigger pack suits regular training.
- Premium Kangaroo Jerky is an 80g pack at chew level 2 (Moderate). It is firmer, so tear it into very small pieces and keep it for high value moments.
Chicken Wing Tips and other chews are lovely rewards, but they are better as a calm, after training chew than as a quick reward during a session.
Count treats as part of daily food
Training treats add up quickly. Fifty small rewards can be a meaningful part of a day's food, especially for small dogs.
- Set aside part of your dog's daily meal and use it as training rewards.
- Use fewer treats on heavy training days, and reduce meals a little if needed.
- Keep rich treats like liver for harder tasks, and use ordinary kibble for easy ones.
If you are not sure how much to feed, ask your vet. They can set a daily amount for your dog's size, age and activity.
How to use treats well
- Mark, then reward. Say a cue word like "yes" at the exact moment your dog gets it right, then deliver the treat straight away.
- Reward at nose height. It keeps your dog's head in the right spot and avoids jumping.
- Keep sessions short. Five minutes, a few times a day, beats one long session.
- Raise the value for harder tasks. Use the smelliest treat when there are distractions.
- Fade slowly. Once a skill is solid, reward every second or third time, and add praise and play.
Where treats fit in your routine
Treats work beyond formal training. Hide a few in a snuffle toy to turn a calm moment into a game, and our guide on how to use a snuffle toy for the first time shows how. Once your dog knows come when called, you can practise further with our recall training guide using a long line lead, where a really good treat makes all the difference. For more of the range, browse the Barke. Treats collection or the puppy essentials.
Introduce any new treat slowly, in small amounts, and check with your vet if your dog has a sensitive stomach. Shipping within Australia starts from $9.95, and orders dispatch within 0 to 2 business days. Perishable treats are not eligible for returns.
Frequently asked questions
How big should a training treat be?
About the size of a pea for small dogs, or a small fingernail for larger dogs. The goal is a reward your dog swallows in a second so training keeps flowing.
How many training treats can I give a day?
It depends on your dog's size and diet. Count the treats as part of their daily food and cut meals back a little on busy training days. Your vet can give a number that suits your dog.
Can I use kibble for training instead?
Yes, for easy tasks at home. Save smellier treats such as liver for harder cues or distracting places, where you need extra focus.
This article is general information, not veterinary advice.
