Why some treats are worth more
If you’ve ever tried teaching a cue and your dog stared back like you were speaking another language, you’re not alone. Sometimes the problem isn’t the training – it’s the treat. That’s where high value treats make all the difference. These are the rewards that actually get your dog’s attention and keep them willing to learn.
Factors that make a treat “high value” include:
- Smell – Strong aroma grabs your dog’s attention.
- Texture – Soft, chewy, or small enough for fast rewards.
- Novelty – Something they don’t get every day keeps them motivated.
- Taste – Truly delicious, not just filler ingredients
Using high value treats helps reinforce behaviours faster and keeps your dog excited during training sessions.
The ultimate list of high value training treats
Here are some safe, effective options to try during training:
- Single-ingredient meat treats – Soft or freeze-dried pieces like beef, lamb, or chicken. Highly palatable and nutrient-dense, they can be broken into small pieces for frequent rewards without overfeeding.
- Freeze-dried treats – Lightweight, long-lasting, and highly aromatic. Dogs find them irresistible, and they’re tidy and easy to use outdoors.
- Soft bite-sized chews – Quick to eat and gentle on teeth, keeping your dog focused during fast-paced training sessions.
For an easy way to try high value treats at home, Ferguson’s offers Beef Liver treatos, which can be broken into smaller pieces for training, and Beef Puffs - both simple, single-ingredient options that dogs love.
Tips for using high value treats in training
It helps to be a little strategic when choosing how you use your treats. Keep high value treats for the harder cues so they actually feel “high value” to your dog.
Use smaller pieces so your dog isn’t stopping to chew, keeping your training moving fast. Mix up the treats now and then to keep things exciting, and add a quick bit of praise or play to make each reward even more meaningful.
Final thoughts
High value treats aren’t just delicious—they’re powerful tools for training and bonding with your dog. Using the right treats from our ultimate list can make training more effective, fun, and rewarding for both you and your pup.
💬Which treats get your dog most excited during training? Share your favourites in the comments!