Dog Training4 min read

Dog Training Treats: What to Use, How Small, and How Many

What makes a good training treat, how to size them, how many you can give in a day, cheap options from your own kitchen, and when to use the good stuff.

Pupupp Training Team

Reward-based dog training guides · Updated Nov 2026

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What makes a good training treat

A training treat has one job: to tell your dog “that was right” quickly enough that you can do it again a few seconds later. That makes the best training treat different from the best snack.

Small. Pea-sized for most dogs, half that for toy breeds. Your dog should swallow it in about a second.
Soft. Crunchy biscuits take time to chew and leave crumbs your dog stops to hunt for.
Smelly. Dogs choose with their nose. Stronger-smelling food holds attention better.
Easy to handle. It shouldn’t crumble in a pocket or need two hands to break.

Keep two grades of treat

Your dog decides what a treat is worth, and the price goes up as the surroundings get harder. Something that works in the kitchen often doesn’t compete with a squirrel. Everyday treats are for easy places: your dog’s regular kibble, or a plain commercial training treat. Many dogs will work happily for part of their dinner at home. High-value treats are for hard places and new skills: tiny pieces of cooked chicken, cheese, or a soft meaty treat. Use them outdoors, around other dogs, for recall, and for anything your dog finds difficult. Test it. Offer two options in closed fists and see which one your dog works harder to get.

How many treats is too many?

A common guideline from vets is that treats should make up no more than about 10 percent of a dog’s daily calories. A short session can use 15 to 20 treats, so size matters more than count.

Cut treats smaller than you think you need. Dogs count pieces, not volume.
Use part of the daily food ration for training at home and feed a little less at mealtimes.
For small dogs and puppies, a lick of something from a spoon or squeeze tube can replace a solid treat.
If your dog is on a special diet or needs to lose weight, ask your vet what to train with.

Treats from your own kitchen

You don’t need to buy anything to start. Plain cooked chicken, small cubes of cheese and your dog’s own kibble cover most training. Keep fresh food in the fridge and take out only what you need for a session. Some human foods are dangerous to dogs, including chocolate, grapes and raisins, onions, macadamia nuts and anything sweetened with xylitol. If you’re unsure about a food, check with your vet before using it.

How to deliver the treat

Mark first. Say “Yes!” at the instant your dog gets it right, then reach for the treat. The word buys you a second or two.
Keep treats out of your hand until after the marker, or your dog learns to watch the hand.
Deliver where you want your dog to be: at your leg for leash walking, low on the mat for a settle, in position for a stay.
One treat at a time. For something special, such as coming when called outdoors, give three in a row.
Use a pouch or a pocket you can reach without looking.

Will I need treats forever?

No. While your dog is learning something new, pay every time. Once it’s reliable, pay less often and mix in other rewards your dog wants: a toy, a sniff, the door opening, the leash going on. Keep a few treats on you for hard moments, because surprises are when you most need your dog to listen. This guide is general education, not veterinary or behavioral advice for your individual dog. For aggression, biting that breaks skin, severe fear or panic when alone, please see your vet or a qualified behaviorist.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best treats for puppy training?

Soft, tiny and easy to digest. Many puppies work well for their own kibble at home. Introduce new foods a little at a time, because young stomachs are sensitive, and ask your vet if your puppy has loose stools.

My dog isn’t interested in treats. What do I do?

Try a better treat, train before meals instead of after, and move somewhere quieter. A dog who refuses food they normally like is often stressed or over-excited, so make the situation easier. Some dogs prefer a toy or a quick game as their reward, which works just as well.

Can I use kibble as training treats?

Yes, and at home it’s often enough. It also keeps the day’s calories steady. Save something more exciting for outdoors and for new or difficult skills.

How big should a training treat be?

About the size of a pea for a medium or large dog, and half that for a small dog. If your dog has to chew, it’s too big.

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