High Value Treats for Dog Training: What They Are and Why They Work
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If you've ever tried to train a dog with a dry biscuit and wondered why they're not that bothered, you've already discovered the concept of treat value. Not all treats are equal in your dog's eyes — and knowing the difference can transform your training sessions.
What Are High Value Treats?
A high value treat is simply a treat your dog finds irresistible — something they'll work hard for and stay focused to earn. What counts as high value varies from dog to dog, but generally it's something:
- Smelly (dogs are led by their nose)
- Meaty or fishy in flavour
- Soft and quick to eat (so training momentum isn't broken)
- Different from their everyday food
The more novel and exciting the treat, the higher its value to your dog.
Why Does Treat Value Matter in Training?
Dogs learn through positive reinforcement — they repeat behaviours that result in good things. The better the reward, the stronger the motivation to repeat the behaviour.
For simple, low-distraction tasks (like sit in the kitchen), a standard treat works fine. But for:
- Recall training in a busy park
- Teaching complex behaviours
- Working with a reactive or easily distracted dog
- Early stages of a new skill
…you need something that can compete with the environment. That's where high value treats earn their place.
Best High Value Treats for Training
Freeze Dried Meat & Fish
Freeze drying preserves the natural smell and flavour of raw meat or fish without cooking it, making these incredibly aromatic and appealing to dogs. They're typically 100% single ingredient, high in protein, and low in calories — ideal for frequent rewarding during training.
👉 Shop our Freeze Dried Treats
Soft Training Treats
Soft treats are quick to chew and swallow, which keeps training sessions flowing without long pauses. Look for small, pea-sized pieces that can be given rapidly during high-repetition training. Many trainers break treats into even smaller pieces to extend a bag further without overfeeding.
Liver-Based Treats
Liver — whether chicken, beef, or lamb — is one of the most universally loved flavours among dogs. It has a strong smell, rich flavour, and is naturally high in nutrients. Dried liver treats are a staple in many professional trainers' treat pouches.
Fish-Based Treats
Salmon, sprat, and other fish treats are intensely smelly (in the best possible way for your dog) and rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which support brain function and coat health. A great dual-purpose treat for training and nutrition.
How to Use High Value Treats Effectively
- Reserve them for the hard stuff — Don't use your best treats for easy, well-known commands. Save them for new skills, distracting environments, or recall.
- Keep pieces small — A treat the size of a pea is enough. Small pieces mean you can reward more frequently without overfeeding.
- Vary your rewards — Mix high and low value treats during a session to keep your dog guessing and engaged.
- Factor them into daily calories — On heavy training days, reduce meal portions slightly to keep overall intake balanced. See our guide on how many treats to give per day.
What Makes a Treat "Low Value"?
Low value treats aren't bad — they're just less exciting. Dry biscuits, plain kibble, or treats your dog gets every day tend to fall into this category. They're perfectly fine for easy, familiar tasks in low-distraction settings, but won't cut it when you really need your dog's attention.
Final Thoughts
Matching treat value to the difficulty of the task is one of the most effective training strategies you can use. Keep a range of treats on hand — everyday rewards for simple tasks, and your dog's absolute favourites for the moments that really matter.
Browse our full range of training treats and freeze dried treats at Pawtastic Munchies — natural, high-quality rewards your dog will work hard for.
