As Rewards, Not All Treats Have the Same Value
- jillkudera
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
Updated: 9 hours ago
The Power of a High Value Reward
Not all treats are created equal, and the value is decided by your pup. They may like chicken jerky, but LOVE cheese—and that matters!
Even high-value rewards can lose their value if used all the time, so switch things up and keep it exciting. To find favorites, I like to offer a variety of treats spread out—the first one chosen is the top pick (saved for recall… the really important stuff). The second choice becomes my go-to for starting new behaviors, and we just go down the line from there.
As a positive reward-based trainer, I do use a lot of treats—but with a plan so you don’t become a Pez dispenser. Start new behaviors with high-value rewards. As the behavior becomes reliable, drop to mid-value, then kibble. From there, begin intermittent rewards (not every time). Keep it random—dogs are very good at spotting patterns! Having a mix of treat values keeps it fun…like playing the lottery, they never know when they’re going to get a treat or what it will be.
Your treats should match the occasion. Your pup may happily “sit” for kibble in the house, but outside with distractions, they may need something better. The same goes for reward
rate—inside, while practicing leash skills, you might get 10 steps with your pup walking nicely next to you between rewards. Outside, you may need to go back to rewarding every step to keep their attention.
Always meet your pup where they are!!!!
Some of my favorites reward treats:
• Fresh Pet Kibble (high value) – I grab a big bag at Costco, portion it into small baggies, and freeze it so it’s always ready
• String cheese – easy, high-value win
• Boiled chicken – great for sensitive tummies
• Charlee Bears from Trader Joe’s – budget-friendly mid-value, fun for playing “catch.”
• Charlee Bear Crunch or Fromm Crunchy O’s – mid-value with a crunch (more for me than the dogs)
• Pet ‘n Shape American Patties – easy, no-mess mid-value
• Low value – your pup’s kibble, or even a different flavor to mix it up ( more rewarding for me than the dogs!😁)
Tricks to keep calories down: Rewards can shift to low value quickly for easy behaviors like “sit” or games like “find it.” Use part of your pup’s meals, so you’re not adding too many extra calories. For a low-calorie, high-value option: Mix kibble with small pieces of chicken, feta, or hot dog and let it sit overnight—the next day, everything smells and tastes like the good stuff.
Reward Your Pup…Don’t Bribe!
Treats are a powerful training tool—but how we use them matters.
A reward comes after your pup does the behavior.
You ask for “sit,” your pup sits, you mark it, and then the treat appears.
This tells your pup, “Yes—that’s exactly what I was looking for!”
A bribe occurs when the treat appears before the behavior.
Your pup sees the treat, then you ask for “sit,” and they respond.
Now your pup is thinking, “I’ll do it…if I see what’s in it for me.”
The goal is to have your pup responding to your cue—not waiting to see the treat first.
Treats should confirm the behavior, not convince it.
~ Jill Kudera
CPDT-KA Certified Professional Dog Trainer
Licensed and Insured
Licensed Veterinary Technician
Canine and Feline CPR and First Aid Certified
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