Things to Look for in a Dog Training Treat Pouch
When you’re looking for a dog training treat pouch, there are a few things you keep in mind to help you make the best choice for your needs:
Ability to Hold Treats Securely
Of course, you’re going to want a treat pouch that can hold the treats securely to ensure none are going to fall out when you’re out and about. Consider how secure the bag’s closure is, particularly if you have a dog who might be inclined to try to access the treats.
Easy Access to Treats
While the treats need to be secure, they also need to be easy to access. A pouch that is quick to open is crucial. The last thing you need when you’re training is a delay in rewarding good behavior.
Treat Holding Capacity
It’s important to consider how many treats you want to take with you. This will vary depending on how long your walks or training sessions are, how many dogs you have, and how long you plan to leave the treats in the pouch.
Extra storage
Many treat pouches will offer extra storage, such as pockets for your keys and phone. Some may have rings where you can clip your dog whistle, keys, or clicker for training. Think about how much you want to take with you and ensure the bag can carry everything you need.
Attachment Style
Treat pouches might offer different attachment styles, such as over your shoulder or around your waist. Think about what suits you best. If you’re unsure what will work best for you, getting a pouch with multiple attachment options can be helpful.
High-Quality Materials
A treat pouch made of high-quality materials is more likely to last longer. Ideally, it should be made of sturdy material, sewn together well. Any clips outside of the pouch should be sturdy and strong.
Easy to Clean
Dog treats can make a real mess, so it’s important your treat pouch is easy to clean. Some may have waterproof liners which can be wiped down. Some will be made of smooth plastic for easy cleaning. Some pouches may be safe to put in the washing machine.
Additional Features
A lot of treat pouches will come with additional features, such as a poop bag dispenser. Some might even come with poop bags, training clickers, reflective straps, and more. If you’re looking for a bonus, keep your eyes open for a good deal.
How Treat Pouches Can Aid in Training
Dogs are very food-based, so giving them a treat when they’re displaying good behavior reinforces your praise to your dog. Giving a treat is often the best way to gain and keep your dog’s attention during training sessions. When you’re out and about, giving a treat at the right time is key.
Giving a treat right after your dog displays the behavior you’re seeking strengthens the association in the dog’s mind between that behavior and getting their reward. Treat pouches allow you to access treats exactly when you need them instead of fumbling about in your pockets and missing that critical moment.
I know that I sometimes forget to put some treats in my pocket if I’m in a rush on my way out of the house. Having a treat pouch can be a helpful way of making sure you always have your dog’s favorite snacks on hand.
Basic Training Advice
Training is crucial for all dogs. While it’s ideal for a dog to start their training as a puppy, it’s never too late to begin training. Even well-trained dogs can still learn new commands. Training has so many benefits for both owner and dog.
Let’s go over some basic training advice:
- Do your research: If you’ve never trained a dog, it’s a good idea to do some research. There are some great articles and videos online to guide you, like this guide from the Dog’s Trust. Don’t be afraid to seek help if you need it. Dog training classes or 1 on 1 sessions with a qualified trainer are a fantastic resource.
- Use positive reinforcement: Training should be all about positive reinforcement rather than punishment. Use verbal praise as well as treats to let your dog know how well they’re doing.
- Learn 1 command at a time: It’s important not to overwhelm your dog, so initially, training 1 thing command at a time is best.
- Start somewhere quiet with few distractions: It’s always a good idea to start somewhere quiet with no distractions, so your dog can focus.
- Build up to places with distractions: Once your dog gets the hang of a command, you can practice it in an area with more distractions.
- Keep training sessions short and fun: Short and fun training sessions make the most of your dog’s attention span. Don’t forget to end on a positive note, for exampling using a command they already know, to build their confidence.
- Repetition and consistency are key: Don’t panic if your dog doesn’t get the hang of a command right away. Going over things at your dog’s pace and being consistent is the key to success.
Dog Training Treat Pouch FAQ
Should you train your dog using treats?
Yes, training with your dog using treats can be beneficial. It’s essential you don’t overfeed your dog, which can lead to weight gain. Training treats should ideally be small and high value, meaning something your dog loves.
Once your dog starts to get the hang of a command, it’s a good idea to introduce more verbal praise and use treats randomly rather than every time.
Can you leave treats in the training pouch overnight?
If the training pouch has a good closure and the treats are hard, for example, biscuits, they should be fine overnight. Softer treats should ideally be put back into an airtight bag until their next use to avoid them spoiling or going hard.
Is a treat pouch required for training?
A treat pouch can be a handy tool for training, but it isn’t essential. While other ways of carrying treats can have their downfalls, they do the job. You could put treats in your pocket or pop them in your regular bag, for example.
Conclusion
A training treat pouch can advance your training game, allowing you to praise your dog with a treat right away. You’ll have no more crumbs in your pocket, and your dog will be a happy, well trained pup!
References
Dogs Trust, (2021), “Basic Dog Training”.
