Best Dog Training Treats UK: Small, Smelly and Effective

Training is one of the most important investments you can make in your dog's happiness and your relationship with them. And the secret weapon that makes training faster and more effective? The right treat. Here's what you need to know about choosing training treats that actually work.

What Makes a Good Training Treat?

Small size — training treats should be tiny, around the size of a pea. You might give your dog 50–100 treats in a single training session, so each one needs to be small enough not to fill them up or add excessive calories. Large treats slow down training because the dog has to stop and chew.

High value — the treat needs to be something your dog genuinely wants. What counts as "high value" varies by dog, but most dogs go wild for real meat — chicken, beef, liver, fish. The smellier, the better. Strong-smelling treats get and hold a dog's attention more effectively than dry biscuits.

Soft texture — soft treats can be given and consumed instantly, keeping training flow fast. Crunchy biscuits require chewing, which breaks momentum. For distance work or very excited dogs, soft treats are far superior.

Low calorie — if you're training daily, treat calories add up fast. Choose lower-fat options or reduce the day's main meal slightly to compensate.

Training Treats vs Regular Treats

Regular dog treats are designed to be enjoyed as an occasional reward — they're often larger, higher calorie and not intended for repetitive feeding. Training treats are specifically designed for high-frequency use: small, nutritionally balanced, and ideally made from a single protein source.

Best Types of Training Treats

Freeze-dried meat — single-ingredient treats like freeze-dried chicken, beef or liver are incredibly popular with trainers. High protein, strong smell, low filler content. Cut into tiny pieces for training.

Soft meat sticks — brands like Zuke's, JR Pet Products and Lily's Kitchen make soft training treats that can be torn into small pieces. Convenient and effective.

Cheese — real cheese (cheddar, string cheese) cut small is a firm favourite for many dogs and excellent for high-distraction environments. Not suitable for lactose-sensitive dogs.

Cooked chicken — plain cooked chicken breast is cheap, healthy and most dogs love it. Carry it in a pouch or small container. No seasoning, sauces or bones.

When to Use High-Value vs Low-Value Treats

Save your highest-value treats for the most challenging situations — recall in the park, loose-lead walking near distractions, new or difficult behaviours. For easy, well-known commands in a low-distraction environment, a lower-value treat or even kibble will do. This preserves the "jackpot" effect of high-value treats.

Treat Pouches

A treat pouch clipped to your belt or waistband keeps treats accessible without having to reach into your pocket, which dogs quickly learn to look for. A good treat pouch also means your hands stay clean. Look for ones with a magnetic closure (quiet and quick to open) and a separate section for waste bags.

Browse our dog training treats and treat pouches at UK9 Petcare — with free delivery on orders over £40.