Top Rewards for Positive Reinforcement Training: Treats, Toys & Tips

At Petdirect, we know how powerful positive reinforcement can be — and not just because we’ve used it to teach our pets to sit, stay and high-five. Positive reinforcement training is a tried-and-true method that works wonders when teaching both dogs and cats new skills or encouraging good behaviour. And the secret to success? Choosing the right reward.

This guide explores the best reward types to keep training sessions engaging, build trust with your furry mate and strengthen your bond. From tasty training treats to interactive toys, we’ll help you pick pet-approved rewards that motivate and delight — because at Petdirect, We Get Pet.

What Makes A Good Training Reward?

The best training rewards are quick to deliver, high in value (from your pet’s perspective) and easy to handle. Not every reward works for every pet, so you may need to mix things up. A good reward should:

• Be safe and suitable for your pet’s life stage and diet
• Hold your pet’s attention in distracting environments
• Be small and soft – especially for short, frequent training sessions
• Be something your pet doesn’t usually get – think of it as a special bonus!

From treats to toys, variety is key. If your pet stops responding, it's time to rotate rewards to maintain motivation.

Top Treats For Training Sessions

Let’s be honest – most pets are foodies at heart. That’s why small, tasty treats are easily one of the most effective rewards during training. For dogs, look for bite-size options made just for reward-based training, like these training & reward treats. Many are soft, so they can be eaten quickly without distraction.

Some highly-rated favourites include:

• HappyPet or Omega Plus natural treats, perfect for health-conscious pups
• Love’Em Training Treats – low-fat and irresistible
• Yours Droolly soft treats – great for fussy eaters

Cats respond beautifully to soft and chewy cat treats, like the Inaba Churu range, or reward bundles from Fancy Feast. Lickable treats are also a great choice for cats due to their stronger scent and flavour.

Interactive Toys As Motivation

For pets that enjoy play as much as they enjoy food, toys can double as a fantastic incentive. Puzzle feeders and interactive dog toys keep your pooch mentally stimulated while reinforcing positive behaviour. Popular brands include KONG and Nina Ottosson.

Cats, with their natural prey drive, love wand toys, teaser sticks and interactive cat toys that let them pounce and play. Offering playtime as a reward after a successful training session can boost your bond and give your feline a fun outlet for their energy.

Other Positive Reinforcement Tools

Training rewards can go beyond food and toys. If your pet seeks attention or affection, praise and cuddles might be the jackpot reward. For more structured sessions, you might also consider:

• Smart pet training gadgets to help reinforce timing and consistency
• Training pads and accessories for puppies mastering toilet training
• Calming aids for anxious learners who need extra support

Every pet is different, so learning your pet's motivators makes all the difference. Whether that’s a high-value treat, favourite chew or just some tail-wagging attention, tailor the reward to their personality.

Building Positive Habits With The Right Rewards

Consistency, timing and patience are just as important as the reward itself. Rewarding the right behaviours at the right time reinforces learning and helps create new habits faster. For best results, always reward:

• Immediately after the desired behaviour
• With praise, then the treat or toy
• Using clear cues and signals for your pet to understand

Over time, you can phase out food rewards and rely more on praise or toy-based incentives. You’ll find your pet still performs because they enjoy the interaction and routine – the treat was just the training wheels!

Make Learning Fun With Tail-Wagging Rewards

Positive reinforcement is one of the kindest, most effective training methods – and it's made even better with thoughtful rewards. Whether your four-legged friend responds to a lamb liver treat or a squeaky toy, there’s a perfect reward to cheer them on.

At Petdirect, We Get Pet, which is why we offer a wide range of all pet treats, toys, and smart training tools to keep training exciting and effective. Explore our rewarding range and earn Airpoints or Pet Perks on every shop!