Best Dog Training Treats and Clickers in 2026
Last updated: October 28, 2026.
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Some links below are affiliate links, which means this site may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Prices and availability change, so check the current listing before you buy.
- The American Kennel Club advises pea-sized or smaller training treats and counting every treat toward the 10 percent of daily calories that treats should stay under.
- Soft, smelly bites are easier and faster to eat than crunchy ones, so they suit new skills and distracting places. Plain crunchy bites suit calm practice at home.
- A clicker is optional. It is a marker that tells your dog the exact moment of the right behavior, and a word such as “Yes” can do the same job.
- This guide is based on reading customer reviews on Amazon and expert advice from the AKC. We did not test the products ourselves.
Most dogs learn faster when good behavior pays off right away, and the reward needs to be small, quick to eat and worth working for. That is why the treat bag and the clicker are the two tools most trainers recommend first. The choice gets confusing fast: soft or crunchy, bacon or biscuit, a box clicker or a finger clicker, a pouch or a pocket. This guide narrows it down to six popular options and explains who each one suits.
Check with your veterinarian before changing your pet's food or adding a supplement.
See Buddy Biscuits Trainers on Amazon →As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Soft or crunchy: what the AKC says about training treats
The AKC says even large dogs only need a pea-sized treat, and that tinier pieces suit small dogs, because small rewards keep a session moving and keep calories down. It adds that soft treats are easier and faster to eat than crunchy ones, and that strongly scented treats such as cheese or bacon rank high with many dogs. Its advice is to use low-value food such as kibble at home with few distractions and to step up to meaty or soft treats in a busier place. If your dog loses interest, switch to a treat of equal or higher value.
Calories matter too. The AKC says treats should make up no more than 10 percent of a dog’s daily calories, and that training treats count toward that limit. A dog that is already overweight, or one with food allergies or a sensitive stomach, needs a vet’s advice before you change treats.
How we picked these products
We looked at popular training treats, clickers and kits on Amazon on October 28, 2026 and read the customer reviews shown on each product page, including the critical ones. We describe what buyers report in our own words, and we point out who should skip each product. We have not tested any of these products, and one buyer’s experience is not a guarantee for your dog. Always check the current listing for ingredients, package size and any age guidance before you buy.
1. Soft treats for new skills and busy places
Buyers describe a strong bacon smell and a soft, chewy texture that stays fresh in the pouch. Many say the bites are tiny, easy to hand out quickly and light enough on calories for sessions that call for a lot of rewards. A few mention that the smell is strong enough to keep their dog focused on the person holding the bag. One owner said their puppy disliked the chewy texture and lost interest after about a dozen pieces, so a small bag is a sensible first try for a picky dog.
See Buddy Biscuits Trainers on Amazon →As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Reviewers call these soft, small and easy to snap into smaller pieces, with several saying one bit can be split into three rewards. Owners of picky eaters and senior dogs say they are a reliable high-value treat, and one household crumbles them over food. The most common complaint is cost: one buyer liked the treats but found them expensive for the amount and planned to look for a cheaper alternative. They suit owners who want a trusted soft treat for harder training spots and do not mind paying more.
See Blue Buffalo Blue Bits on Amazon →As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
2. A crunchy option for calm practice
Buyers describe tiny, hard biscuits with almost no smell, which they like for a pocket on walks because the pieces do not crumble or leave a scent on clothes. Owners of small dogs and puppies praise the size and the long-lasting bag. The trade-offs are texture and appeal: one reviewer found the biscuits dry and crumbly and said their puppy did not go crazy for them, and another said their dogs did not like them at all. Think of these as an everyday reward for easy cues rather than the big prize for a busy park.
See Old Mother Hubbard Training Bitz on Amazon →As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
3. Clickers and a training kit
Buyers like the loud, sharp click and the wrist strap, which keeps the clicker on your hand while you hold a leash and treats. Several keep one on a keychain or in each room so one is always handy. A reviewer who already owned a louder clicker said this one was a little quieter, and another wished the pack had no black one because it is hard to spot at home. Check the volume if your dog is noise-sensitive.
See HoAoOo clickers on Amazon →As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Reviewers favor the finger strap because it frees the hand, and they describe a crisp, distinctive click with no battery to worry about. One owner who had tried several clickers said this was the one they use most. One buyer warns that it is loud near your own ear, and another said their puppy lost interest in the click after a week, which is a reminder that the click only works while it is still paired with a treat.
See Educator finger clicker on Amazon →As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
This kit bundles a treat pouch with clickers and a silent whistle. Buyers like having a pouch that holds treats plus keys or a phone, and some use the whistle for long-distance recall practice even if they do not clicker train. The pouch is on the small side for dogs that burn through treats, and one reviewer reported the straps ripping off eventually. It fits new owners who want one purchase to start with.
See BARKIE training kit on Amazon →As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Who should skip these
- Dogs with food allergies, a prescription diet or a sensitive stomach should only get treats cleared by a veterinarian.
- If your dog is scared of sudden sounds, skip a loud clicker and try a soft clicker or a marker word instead.
- If your dog does not like a texture, such as the soft chew one puppy rejected, buy the smallest bag first.
- Dogs on weight management plans need treats counted toward the daily total, so ask your vet which treats and portions fit.
Loading the clicker and using treats well
The AKC explains that a clicker is a marker that tells your dog the exact moment of the right behavior, and that it only has meaning once it has been paired with a reward. To “load” it, click and then treat immediately; after roughly 10 to 20 repetitions the dog understands that the click predicts a reward. You can then click the instant your dog sits, then give the treat. The AKC notes that the click is just a teaching tool, and once a behavior is learned you will not need it every time.
Check with your veterinarian before changing your pet's food or adding a supplement.
- Buddy Biscuits Trainers Soft & Chewy Training Bites (Bacon)
- Blue Buffalo Blue Bits Soft Dog Treats (Beef)
- Old Mother Hubbard Wellness Training Bitz (Assorted Mix)
- HoAoOo Pet Training Clicker with Wrist Strap (multipack)
- Educator Finger Clicker
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a clicker to train my dog?
No. The AKC says any distinct marker works, including a word like “Yes,” a whistle or a snap of the fingers. A clicker is simply consistent and easy to tell apart from everyday sounds.
How big should a training treat be?
The AKC recommends pea-sized or smaller, even for large dogs. Cut bigger treats into small bits before the session.
How many treats can my dog have in a day?
The AKC says treats, including training treats and table scraps, should stay within about 10 percent of daily calories. Your vet can help you set the number for your dog.
Are soft or crunchy treats better?
The AKC says soft treats are quicker to eat, which keeps a session moving. Plain crunchy bites can work for easy cues at home, so many owners keep both and rotate them.
Related guides
- Best Dog Waste Bags and Poop Scoopers in 2026
- Best Dog Leashes in 2026 for Walking, Training and Pullers
- Best Dog Snuffle Mats and Nose-Work Toys in 2026 for Indoor Enrichment
- Best Dog Puzzle Toys for Bored Dogs in 2026
- Best No-Pull Dog Harnesses in 2026
- Best Dog Dental Products in 2026 for Brushing and Daily Chews
- All Dog Care Guides
Sources
- American Kennel Club, “The Right Treats Make the Best Rewards: How to Choose” (https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/training/dog-training-treats/)
- American Kennel Club, “How Many Treats Can a Dog Have Per Day?” (https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/nutrition/how-many-treats-can-dog-have/)
- American Kennel Club, “How to Use Clicker Training to Communicate With Your Dog” (https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/training/clicker-training-your-dog-mark-and-reward/)
- American Kennel Club, “Positive Reinforcement Dog Training” (https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/training/training-your-dog-with-rewards-and-positive-reinforcement)
- Amazon customer reviews for the products above, read October 28, 2026, paraphrased
This article is general information for pet owners, not veterinary advice. If your pet seems sick, or you are unsure, call your veterinarian.
Comments
Post a Comment