
The Best Training Treats For Puppies In NZ
Raising a well-behaved pup starts with the right reward. Whether you're toilet training, teaching basic commands or reinforcing good behaviour, using the best training treats for puppies in NZ can make a world of difference. In this guide, we’ll explore what makes a great puppy treat, highlight top options for Kiwi pet parents and help you set your puppy up for training success.
What Makes A Good Training Treat For Puppies?
Training treats need to be more than tasty — they should be healthy, motivating and safe for your puppy’s developing digestive system. The best options share a few key features:
- Small size: Puppies train often, so treats should be bite-sized to prevent overfeeding.
- Low calorie: This helps avoid excess weight gain during frequent training sessions.
- Soft texture: Easy-to-chew treats are ideal for puppies with growing teeth and jaws.
- Enticing flavour: To capture your puppy’s attention, you need treats they absolutely love.
Look for options that are made from natural ingredients, free from artificial colours and preservatives, and ideally tailored for puppies.
Top Training Treat Options For Puppies
New Zealand pet parents are lucky to have access to a wide selection of premium puppy treats. Here are some top choices available through Petdirect:
- Puppy training treats specifically formulated for young pups
- Natural meat-based treats with high protein content to support development
- NZ-made puppy treats that prioritise local ingredients and animal welfare
These treats often come with resealable packaging, which keeps them fresh and makes them easy to carry during walks or training sessions.
When And How To Use Training Treats Effectively
The way you use training treats can significantly influence your puppy’s learning. Here are a few tips to get the most out of them:
- Timing is crucial: Reward your puppy immediately after they perform the desired behaviour.
- Keep sessions short: Young pups have short attention spans, so aim for 5–10 minute bursts.
- Use treats as motivation: Encourage your puppy to try new commands or tasks in return for a tasty reward.
- Pair with verbal praise: Use enthusiastic words and tone alongside treats to build a positive association.
As your puppy grows more confident with their commands, you can start phasing out treats in favour of verbal praise or play-based rewards.
Healthy Treating Without Overdoing It
Although treats are useful, they should only make up a small portion of your puppy’s daily diet — about 10% of their total intake. Be sure to factor in the calories from treats when choosing puppy food, ensuring proper nutrition and weight management. For balanced options, consider mixing training with kibble from our dry puppy food range, or rotating in wet food rewards.
If your puppy tends to get overly excited or anxious during training, you might also try calming supplements to help them stay focused and receptive.
Explore New Treats As Your Puppy Grows
As your pup matures and their tastes change, you’ll want to explore different styles and flavours of treats. Browse our top-rated picks for proven favourites among NZ dog owners. What’s more, handy puppy starter packs include a mix of treats, toys and essentials to get you and your new pup off to a great start.
Conclusion: Reward The Right Way With Puppy-Approved Treats
Training treats are a powerful tool in setting up positive behaviours for life. By choosing the best training treats for puppies in NZ, you’re making learning fun, healthy and rewarding for your growing pup. Remember to pick treats that are nutritious, tasty and appropriately sized, and use them consistently during training.
Explore Petdirect’s wide range of puppy training essentials to find the perfect treats for your dog’s age, breed and learning stage. Puppyhood goes by fast — let's make every moment count!