How to Choose the Right Training Treat for your Dog

January is National Train your Dog Month and we're kicking the year off on the right paw by sharing these expert tips from our friends at Boston Dog Butlers. We're excited to welcome a special guest blog post from James Woods, BDB's Dog Training Program Manager. We'll let him take it from here...

Hi - I'm James! I lead the Training Division at Boston Dog Butlers. With over 12 years of experience as a professional dog trainer, dog training is more than a job for me—it’s a calling. I’m deeply passionate about helping people build stronger, healthier bonds with their canine companions, and I find so much joy in working with dogs, whether it’s helping them overcome fears, improve socialization, or develop better regulation skills. It’s incredibly rewarding to see the progress we make together, and I love celebrating the quirky, playful nature of every dog I meet.

I’m so proud to be part of Boston Dog Butlers, where we’ve been serving the dogs of the Boston area for nearly a decade! Our top priority is always the safety, health, and happiness of your furry family members. By keeping our service personalized and low-volume, we make sure that every dog we care for builds strong, lasting relationships with familiar faces. Whether it’s walks, hikes, park play, training, or overnight care, we tailor everything to your dog’s unique needs, always focusing on quality and connection. 

I’m always looking for ways to offer more value and insight to our clients, and today, I’m excited to share a blog post I’ve written on a topic that I get asked about often: how to choose the right training treat for your dog. In this post, I’ll walk you through some key factors to consider when picking treats that will motivate your dog and help reinforce positive behaviors. Whether you’re a first-time dog owner or a seasoned pet parent, I’m confident you’ll find some helpful tips here to make your training sessions more effective and enjoyable.

When it comes to dog training, the right treats can make all the difference. Choosing the best ones means thinking about size, texture, and ingredients to match your training goals. Let’s break it down so you and your pup can get the most out of every session.

Size Matters: Training is all about repetition, so your treats should be small enough to keep your dog motivated without filling them up. Think bite-sized—like the size of a pea for small dogs or a blueberry for bigger pups. Polkadog’s line of treats is perfect here; their small, snackable options let you reward frequently without overindulging your furry friend.

Texture Tips: Soft treats are a lifesaver during training. They’re easy to break apart and quick for your dog to eat, keeping the session flowing smoothly. Crunchy treats can work too but might slow things down—use them for less frequent rewards or to mark major wins. Polkadog’s variety of textures ensures you’ll always have the right tool for the job.

Ingredients Rule: Simple, high-quality ingredients are key. Dogs are like food critics with tails, and they’ll work harder for something delicious. Polkadog treats are made with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, making them as healthy as they are irresistible.

Choosing the right treats isn’t just about snacks—it’s about setting your dog up for success. Stock up on Polkadog’s options to make training rewarding, healthy, and fun!

For questions about training or want to chat, feel free to reach out to me at James@bostondogbutlers.com—I’d love to hear from you!