Using Reward Value to Shape Your Dog’s Behavior

If you’re waving around some kibble while your dog is fixated on a squirrel or cat, you might as well fade into the background. Dogs, like people, have their preferences. Kibble? That’s just bread to them. It fills them up, sure, but if you gave a kid plain bread for cleaning their room, you’d get that “Seriously?” look.

The secret to better training is straightforward: understand the difference between “high-value” and “low-value” treats, and use them wisely.

What Counts as High or Low-Value Treats?

Low-Value Treats are Everyday Basics

These are ordinary, not very thrilling, and pretty mild. They don’t have a strong smell, your dog knows them well, and you can hand out a bunch without worrying about extra calories. Think kibble, plain Cheerios, dry biscuits, or maybe frozen carrots or apple slices. Use these for simple commands in calm settings - like asking for a “sit” in your living room.

High-Value Treats are The Big Reward

These are the top-tier treats. They’re smelly, soft, and rarely handed out. We’re talking tiny bites of real meat (chicken, beef, liver), freeze-dried fish, or those irresistible soft treats from our store. Bring these out for difficult situations - when distractions are everywhere, you’re teaching something new, or you need your dog to come to you immediately.

Quick Comparison

Why It Matters

Motivation is crucial. When you want your dog to focus on you instead of that squirrel or cat, a high-value treat works wonders. It cuts through distractions and puts you front and center in your dog’s mind.

Want your dog to learn a skill quickly? Use a jackpot reward. Big reward, fast learning.

Recall - the “come here right now” command - is essential. Don’t skimp here. Make coming to you the best part of your dog’s day.

Change it up, too. If you use the great treats all the time, they lose their appeal. Keep your dog guessing, and you’ll keep them eager.

When to Use Each Treat

Low-Value Treats

• Repeating commands your dog already knows, especially at home.
• Doing lots of repetitions in a row.
• Training sessions that use your dog’s regular food.
• Rewarding calm, everyday behavior.

High-Value Treats

• Teaching brand new commands.
• Training in busy places, around other dogs, or with lots of distractions.
• Important recalls - when you need your dog to stop instantly and come to you.
• Helping your dog work through anxiety or fear (like meeting the vacuum).
• Getting your dog’s attention when they’re zoned out.
• Giving a “jackpot” for an especially great response.

Tips and Pitfalls

Let your dog decide what’s motivating. You might think kibble is fine, but your dog has opinions. Try a “treat scale” - kibble is a 1, boiled chicken is a 10. Match the treat to the challenge and keep treats small, about the size of a pea. You want a quick bite, not a meal.

Watch out for common mistakes:

• Using high-value treats constantly - eventually, they lose their specialness.
• Expecting low-value treats to work when your dog is surrounded by distractions.
• Ignoring what your dog actually likes.

Note for Reactive or Frustrated Dogs

If your dog gets worked up quickly, basic training advice may not be enough. In stressful moments, a crunchy treat isn’t helpful - the dog might not notice, or all that chewing gives them more time to get amped up. Choose something soft and extra tasty, and keep things moving.

Choosing single-ingredient treats means you’re prioritizing your dog’s health and happiness. It’s a wise decision. These simple rewards capture your dog’s focus when it matters most - whether you’re working on a reliable recall, boosting a shy dog’s confidence, or navigating daily life together.

So, don’t just grab any treat for your pouch. Consider what truly inspires your dog. Pure, uncomplicated treats are effective. They not only help with training - they foster trust, strengthen your connection, and lay the foundation for years of friendship and joy.

Shop our high-value treats today.