Dog Training Tips: How to Use Treats Effectively for Positive Reinforcement

Training your dog doesn’t have to be a ruff time — in fact, it can be fun, rewarding, and a great bonding experience when you use the right approach. At Petdirect, we get pet, and that means we understand just how effective (and delicious) dog treats can be in helping your pup learn positive behaviours. Whether you're raising a tail-wagging puppy or fine-tuning manners in an older dog, using treats smartly during training sessions can make all the difference.

Let’s dig into how you can use treats to train your dog effectively, ethically, and in a way that strengthens your bond for life.

Why Use Treats For Dog Training?

Treats are a powerful tool in positive reinforcement training. When your pup performs the behaviour you're after — like sitting or staying — and you follow up with a reward, you’re encouraging them to do it again. That reward-based approach taps into your dog's natural desire to please and earn praise (and snacks!).

The benefits of treat-based training include:

• Encouraging faster learning through motivation
• Establishing trust between you and your dog
• Helping reinforce good behaviour consistently
• Making training enjoyable — for both of you!

To set yourself up for success, choose high-value training treats that are appropriately sized and smell irresistible to your pup.

Choosing The Right Dog Treats

Not all treats are created equal. For training, the best treats are small, soft, and easy to chew quickly so you can keep the momentum going. Look for low-fat options to balance out frequent rewards during longer sessions — and always check the ingredient list for healthy, dog-safe choices.

Some paw-some options to consider include:

• Soft and chewy treats for quick chewing and minimal distraction
• NZ-made treats for locally-sourced goodness
• Freeze dried treats for maximum flavour and aroma

Some pet parents also like to use bite-sized chunks of NZ-made dog food, like ZIWI or K9 Natural — just be sure to reduce your dog’s daily food amount accordingly to maintain a healthy diet.

Timing Is Everything

Timing is key when it comes to rewarding with treats. Dogs connect rewards with what just happened, so it’s important to deliver a treat immediately after the correct behaviour — ideally within two seconds. This helps your dog understand which action earned the tasty snack.

For example, if you're teaching "sit," give the treat the moment your dog’s bottom touches the ground. Pair it with verbal praise like “Good sit!” to reinforce the behaviour with both food and affection.

Keep Sessions Short And Sweet

Just like us, dogs can get mentally tired — especially when they’re learning something new. Keep training sessions short (around 5–10 minutes) and positive. End on a high note with a command your dog already knows, followed by a jackpot of treats and pats!

You can fit in several mini sessions throughout the day. The goal is consistency and repetition, not cramming hours of training into one sitting. And remember, dogs thrive on routine — so integrating short bursts of learning into your daily schedule works wonders.

When To Taper Off The Treats

As your dog starts mastering a command, gradually reduce the number of treats while still offering praise. This helps turn learned behaviour into a habit, rather than something your pup will only do when food is involved.

A good approach is to start treating every time, then treat every second success, then randomly. Keep your dog guessing, and they’ll keep trying! You can also swap treats for verbal praise or a favourite interactive toy to keep training interesting.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

Even with the best of intentions, it’s easy to make a few missteps with treat-based training. Here’s what to steer clear of:

• Using treats as bribes instead of rewards (reward after the behaviour, not before)
• Overfeeding — always factor treats into your dog’s daily calorie intake
• Delaying rewards, which can confuse your pup about what behaviour earned it
• Training in overly distracting environments too soon

If you're just starting out, try training in a quiet space and gradually add distractions as your dog becomes more confident and reliable.

Put Your Pup In The Training Zone

Want to make training even more productive? Creating the right environment helps your dog stay focused. Consider having a dedicated spot with a comfortable dog bed, and use training accessories like waist treat pouches or clickers. Keeping sessions upbeat and calm (and using your best happy voice) helps your dog feel safe and ready to learn.

And if your pup is prone to getting overly excited or anxious, explore calming essentials to help set the scene for success.

Treat Smart, Train Smarter

Dog training is one of the best ways to connect with your dog, and treats can make the process rewarding (literally!). By choosing the right treats, keeping timing in mind, and making training a regular (and fun!) part of your routine, you’ll be well on your way to raising a well-mannered best mate.

At Petdirect, we get pet, and that means we’re here with expert advice, high-quality training treats, and supportive tools that make learning fun and effective for Kiwi pups. Don’t forget — you can earn Airpoints and unlock pet-parent perks when you shop with us through Pet Perks. Now that’s a treat for you, too!