Training Treats for Dog Walks: How to Use Them (and Which to Pack)

Walks are where training really gets tested. There are smells, squirrels, other dogs and a hundred reasons not to come back when you call. A few well-chosen treats, used at the right moment, make recall and loose-lead walking much easier to teach and keep up. Here's how to use treats on walks without overdoing it, and which ones to pack.

Why treats work so well on walks

Rewarding the behaviour you want makes your dog more likely to repeat it. Outdoors, though, you're competing with a lot of distractions, so the reward has to be worth coming back for. A tasty treat delivered straight away tells your dog they made the right choice, whether that's turning back when you call, walking nicely past another dog or waiting at a kerb.

Everyday rewards vs high-value rewards

Not every treat needs to be a jackpot. Many owners carry two types:

• Everyday rewards for easy wins like sitting at a gate or walking on a loose lead.
• High-value rewards, usually strong-smelling, meaty or fishy treats, saved for the hard stuff: recall away from other dogs, wildlife or food on the ground.

Keeping the best treats for recall keeps them special, so your dog has a real reason to come running.

Timing matters

Reward the moment your dog does the right thing. If you call them back and then spend ten seconds rummaging in a pocket, the treat arrives too late to mean much. Having treats ready to hand makes this far easier.

That's one reason we built a treat bowl into the Dog Avenue 3-in-1 Outdoor Dog Water Bottle. Treats stay in one place instead of going soggy in your coat pocket, alongside your dog's water and a waste bag dispenser.

How many treats is too many?

Treats add up quickly on a long training walk. The World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) advises that treats should make up no more than 10% of a dog's daily calories, and should never replace a complete, balanced diet.

• Break treats into small pieces. Your dog cares more about getting a reward than about its size.
• On heavy training days, think about the day's total food, not just the treats.
• If your dog is overweight, or you're unsure how much to give, ask your vet.

Which treats to pack for your walk

Our Dog Walk Treats cover different jobs on a walk:

For recall: Chicken, Duck & Turkey

Chicken, Duck & Turkey Dog Treats are made with 80% chicken, duck and turkey, plus sweet potato, potatoes and chicken stock. Meaty and high in protein, they make a good high-value reward. They come in a 100g bag or a 500g XL bag for regular trainers.

For fish-loving dogs: Salmon, Trout & White Fish

Salmon, Trout & White Fish Dog Treats are made with 80% salmon, white fish and trout, with sweet potato, potatoes and salmon stock. Salmon and trout are naturally rich in omega-3 fatty acids. They're also available in a 500g XL bag.

For the end of the walk: Turkey Dental

Turkey Dental Dog Treats are made with lean turkey, activated charcoal, peppermint and green tea extract. They're a nice way to finish a walk.

For winding down: Calming Duck & Lavender

Our bone-shaped Calming Duck & Lavender Dog Treats include lavender and chamomile, and are made for stressful moments or settling down in the evening after a busy day out.

For sensitive tummies, coats and everyday health

• Digestive Duck Dog Treats: a high-fibre recipe with probiotics, made to support digestion.
• Skin & Coat Chicken Dog Treats: with zinc, biotin and omega-3, and no added grain.
• Immune Boost Dog Treats: bone-shaped treats made with beta glucans and nucleotides.

A few safety tips

• Introduce any new treat gradually, especially if your dog has a sensitive stomach.
• Check the ingredients if your dog has allergies or is on a special diet, and ask your vet if you're unsure.
• Always carry water. Training is thirsty work, particularly on warm days (see our guide to keeping your dog hydrated).

Quick checklist for a training walk

• A mix of everyday and high-value treats, broken into small pieces
• Treats somewhere you can reach instantly
• Fresh water and a bowl
• A long line if you're practising recall somewhere new
• Poo bags

Short, frequent and positive sessions work best. A few good recalls on every walk will do more than one long session at the weekend.

Sources

• WSAVA: Feeding treats to your dog