Why Dog Training Is So Important

Dog training isn’t just about teaching your pup to sit or shake—it’s about setting your dog up for a happy, safe, and social life. Training builds communication between you and your best friend, reduces stress for both of you, and gives your dog the confidence to handle new situations. Well-trained dogs are calmer on walks, safer around your friends and family, and just plain easier to live with.

But, as any dog owner will tell you, getting those behaviours locked in takes patience—and the right motivators.

The Power of Positive Reinforcement (aka, Treats!)

Positive reinforcement is the gold standard of modern dog training. Instead of punishing unwanted behaviours, you focus on rewarding the good stuff—like sitting politely, coming when called, or ignoring that mouthwatering roast chicken left unguarded on the bench.

Treats are the ultimate incentive for most dogs. Why? Because food taps into a primal, hardwired instinct. When your dog does the right thing and gets a treat, their brain lights up with feel-good chemicals, telling them, “Hey, let’s do that again!” It’s the fastest way to teach new behaviours and to make sure your dog actually enjoys learning.

Studies back this up. Most pet owners say treats were essential for teaching their dog basic commands (and honestly, who’s surprised?). Whether you’ve got a food-obsessed Labrador or a fussy little spaniel, the promise of a tasty morsel can make even the most distracted pup focus like a laser.

What Makes a Great Training Treat?

But here’s the thing—not all treats are created equal! If you want to keep those tails wagging (and your training sessions running smoothly), the treat you choose matters.

Here’s what to look for in a truly top-shelf training treat:

1. Quick to Eat

Training treats should be tiny! Think pea-sized. The goal is to let your dog do the behaviour, snap up the treat, and zip back to work without a big chewing break. Smaller pieces also mean you can deliver lots of rewards in a session without overfeeding.

2. Healthy and Simple Ingredients

Look for treats made from single, high-quality proteins with minimal additives. You want something healthy—no dodgy fillers, artificial flavours, or weird preservatives. The simpler, the better (bonus points if you could eat it yourself… but maybe don’t).

3. Extra High Value

The tastier the treat, the better it works! Dry kibble or supermarket biscuits might cut it for low-key skills, but for trickier behaviours or distracting situations, you’ll want something extra-special. Freeze-dried meats, real bits of cooked protein, or gently air-dried options often do the trick.

4. Not Messy

Let’s be honest—nobody wants stinky, oily fingers after a training session. Treats that are easy to handle and leave no sticky residue make the process way more pleasant for you (especially in public).

Training Tips: How to Use Treats Like a Pro

Having the right treat is half the battle. The other half? Using them the right way! Here are a few quick tips to get the most out of every tasty morsel:

• Reward instantly: Timing is everything. Deliver the treat within seconds of the correct behaviour so your dog knows what they’re being rewarded for.
• Keep sessions short: Several quick, fun practice rounds each day work better than one long, exhausting session. Think 5-10 minutes tops!
• Switch it up: Save the really tasty treats (like lamb snacks) for high-stakes situations—new tricks, noisy parks, or anything your dog finds challenging.
• Watch the calories: Training can mean lots of treats, so remember to account for them in your dog’s daily food allowance. Look for low-fat options, or break treats into smaller pieces.

Want more tips? Check out our post on Properly Treating Your Dog While Training and Walking.

The Pawtion Difference: Treats Designed for Training

Here's the good news—at Pawtion, we’re all about making training easier for Aussie pups and their humans. Our training range checks every box for a perfect training treat:

• Easy to Break: Whether you’ve got a Great Dane or a tiny Chi, you can snap our snacks into just the right size for your dog (and for delivering a LOT of rewards in one session).
• Clean to Handle: No stinky fingers, no crumbs in your pocket, and no mess left behind—our treats are clean, dry, and fuss-free.
• Single-Ingredient Goodness: Made from 100% Australian pork or lamb, gently air-dried to lock in all the natural flavour and nutrition. No artificial nasties, fillers, or preservatives.
• High Value for Every Dog: Even picky eaters have been known to go wild for our snacks. They're soft enough for puppies and seniors, but tasty and chewy enough for adult dogs too.

Why Snacks? Perfect Proteins for Every Pup

Not all dogs are the same. Some are sensitive to certain proteins. Others just need some variety to stay interested! Our variety of options of snacks offer great choice for alternative proteins:

• Easy to Digest: Both are tender, gentle on tummies, and suitable for most dogs (even ones with allergies to more common meats).
• Rich in Nutrients: Lamb is naturally high in essential amino acids and zinc. Pork is packed with thiamine, which is important for normal cell function.
• Irresistible Flavour: These proteins offer a taste and aroma that’s seriously drool-worthy for dogs.

If you want to read more about what makes a healthy dog treat, see our guide: Healthy Dog Treats: What to Look For and What to Avoid.

Real Life Wins: How Treats Make Training Happen

Let’s be real—every pet parent has faced a training hurdle. Maybe your dog bolts at the sight of another dog or ignores the recall at the park. This is where having a high-value, easy-to-deliver treat is the difference between frustration and progress.

Bring a couple training treats with you every walk, and make sure you do at least 5 recall events per walk, and you’ll be amazed at how quickly your dog tunes in. One little piece at the right moment can redirect, reward, and motivate—even in the most distracting situations. Reinforcing the process only makes it more effective.

Wrapping It Up: The Treat That Trains

Training shapes your dog’s mind, builds your bond, and makes adventures together more fun. Great treats make the process faster, more effective—and a lot more enjoyable for you both.

If you want treats that are just as thoughtful as your training style, give ours a try. They’re easy to break, clean to handle, and packed with real Aussie protein dogs go nuts for. The next time you’re gearing up for a training session, grab the rewards that’ll help your dog shine.

Happy training, and happy snacking!