Best Dog Treats for Training Small Dogs
Georgie was, to put it mildly, a terror on the leash. Our morning walks resembled a frantic crab scuttling sideways, punctuated by her abrupt attempts to eat every discarded wrapper and mysterious street puddle. I’d try to lure her with praise, gentle tugs, even the promise of belly rubs, but her tiny, stubborn mind was set on urban foraging. Then, one Tuesday, I pulled out a bag of Stella & Chewy’s Chewy’s Chicken Recipe Training Treats. The moment the crinkle of the bag hit her ears, Georgie’s head snapped up, her little Morkie tail doing a frantic helicopter. Suddenly, a polite heel wasn’t just a suggestion; it was a mission, rewarded by a tiny, freeze-dried morsel of chicken. The transformation was instant and, frankly, a little embarrassing that it took me so long to figure out. (Check out our top pick: training treats.)
The truth is, when it comes to training small dogs, the treat isn’t just a reward; it’s the entire communication system. And for a tiny breed like a Morkie, the size and palatability of that treat are paramount. You can’t exactly hand Georgie a full-sized biscuit and expect her to focus on “sit” while she’s wrestling a behemoth in her mouth. She needs something small, high-value, and quick to consume so she can immediately get back to the task at hand (and the next reward). That’s where the freeze-dried single-ingredient treats shine.
My top picks for Georgie, and what I’d recommend for any small dog, are those little nuggets of pure goodness. Stella & Chewy’s Training Treats, particularly the chicken or beef varieties, are always a hit. They’re small, super fragrant (to a dog, anyway), and easily broken into even tinier pieces for precise rewarding. Another fantastic option is Zuke’s Mini Naturals. They come in various flavors, are soft, chewy, and perfectly bite-sized for tiny mouths. The key is to find something that your dog absolutely goes bonkers for, but that won’t fill them up too quickly or cause digestive upset. Think of it as their equivalent of gourmet chocolate – something they crave and will work for, but only in small, manageable doses. The goal is motivation, not a full meal.
Ultimately, a successful training treat for small dogs is about impact per calorie. It needs to be irresistible, easy to eat, and not so big that it distracts from the training itself. Forget the bland, crumbly biscuits; go for the good stuff that makes their eyes light up and their tails wag uncontrollably. Experiment with different high-value, small-sized treats to find what your dog loves most.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a treat ideal for training small dogs?
Ideal treats are tiny, soft, highly palatable, and low in calories. Their small size prevents overfeeding and distraction, while strong appeal keeps your small dog motivated and focused during training sessions.
How do I choose treats that won’t upset my small dog’s sensitive stomach?
Look for treats with limited, natural ingredients and avoid common allergens like wheat, corn, and soy. Opt for single-protein options or those designed for sensitive stomachs to minimize digestive upset.
How many training treats should I give my small dog per day?
Treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily caloric intake. Factor them into their overall diet. For training, use very small pieces and reduce meal portions slightly to avoid overfeeding.
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