The Secret to Better Dog Training? Choosing the Right Treat
When it comes to dog training, one of the most important tools in your toolkit isn’t a leash, a clicker, or even patience (though that helps). It’s the treats. What you use to reward your pup can make the difference between a dog that listens eagerly and one that loses interest after the third sit command.
But not all treats are created equal. In fact, many of the most popular training treats on the market are doing more harm than good—with artificial fillers, questionable ingredients, and sugar-packed formulas.
That’s why more and more dog parents are turning to The Nojo’s Dog Jerky—a simple, clean, single-ingredient treat that dogs love and trainers trust.
🎯 What Makes a Great Training Treat?
Before we get into what’s wrong with common treats, let’s define what makes a good one.
The ideal training treat should be:
✅ High-value – Something your dog gets excited about every single time
✅ Smell-forward – Dogs rely on scent more than taste
✅ Small or easy to break – Frequent treating means portion control matters
✅ Quick to eat – So you don’t lose momentum between reps
✅ Nutritious – Supports your dog’s overall health, not just behavior
It might sound like a lot to ask, but finding the right treat can seriously elevate your training experience—especially if you're working on obedience, agility, socialization, or behavior modification.
😬 The Problem with Most Commercial Training Treats
Walk down the treat aisle at any major pet store and you’ll see rows of colorful bags labeled “Training Bites” or “Reward Minis.” But flip the package over, and the ingredient list often tells a different story.
Here’s what you’ll commonly find:
Fillers like wheat, corn, soy
Artificial flavors and colors
Glycerin to retain moisture (which can upset digestion)
Preservatives and by-products
Sugar or syrups (yes, seriously!)
Not only can these ingredients lead to long-term health issues like allergies, weight gain, and digestive problems, but they also don't offer your dog any real nutritional value. You’re essentially bribing your dog with junk food—and over time, they may lose interest.
Dogs are smarter than we think. They know the difference between a meh reward and a OMG this is amazing reward. And when it comes to training, that difference matters.
🦴 The Nojo’s Dog Jerky: The Cleanest Training Treat on the Market
At The Nojo’s Dog, we created our jerky treats with one mission: to offer the cleanest, most rewarding treat possible. Originally made for our own rescued dog (who had severe dietary sensitivities), our jerky is made from 100% human-grade meat, and nothing else.
That’s right—just one ingredient. No fillers. No preservatives. No B.S.
Here’s why The Nojo’s Dog Jerky is such a powerful training tool:
💥 1. It’s High-Value (Dogs Go Nuts for It)
Let’s be honest: if your dog doesn’t love the treat, training is a struggle. Our jerky smells incredible to dogs (yes, it’s a little pungent—on purpose!) and the flavor is intense because there are no added starches or fillers to water it down.
Whether you’re working on crate training, recall, or reactivity, using a high-value reward can improve focus, motivation, and results.
✂️ 2. It’s Easy to Break into Training-Sized Bites
Our jerky is air-dried in thin sheets that are easy to tear or cut into small bites. That makes it perfect for frequent treating without overfeeding.
Some customers like to pre-cut a few pieces and store them in a treat pouch during training sessions. Others crumble a little over their dog’s food to reinforce positive mealtime behavior.
💪 3. It’s Lean Protein, Not Empty Calories
Each piece of The Nojo’s Dog Jerky is packed with pure animal protein—critical for muscle development, immune health, and energy.
Unlike mass-produced treats made from carbohydrates and fats, our jerky delivers real nutritional benefits with every bite. So even if your training sessions involve lots of rewards, you’re not sabotaging your dog’s diet.
🌿 4. It’s Great for Dogs with Allergies or Sensitive Stomachs
If your dog is prone to itching, licking their paws, loose stools, or skin flare-ups, there’s a good chance they’re reacting to something in their food or treats.
Because our jerky contains only one ingredient (beef or turkey), it’s a safe choice for dogs with food sensitivities. You know exactly what you’re feeding them, and that’s incredibly reassuring—especially during early training phases where treat volume is high.
🧠 5. It Reinforces Trust and Consistency
Dogs thrive on consistency, and feeding them a clean, simple treat sends a powerful signal: “You can trust me.” Training is about communication and bonding, not just commands.
When your dog realizes that every time they make the right choice, they’re rewarded with something delicious and gentle on their tummy, they’ll become more eager to engage and learn.
🤔 But Isn’t Jerky Too Big or Expensive for Training?
Not at all.
While our jerky is premium-quality, it’s very cost-effective when broken down into training pieces. A single bag can last for dozens of training sessions, especially when used strategically.
And unlike grain-based training bites (which are mostly filler), every single bite of our jerky packs a nutritional punch. So you’re actually getting more value per gram, not less.
Plus: No vet visits for treat-related tummy troubles = more savings in the long run.
🐾 Try It Yourself and See the Difference
Whether you’re just starting obedience training or working on advanced behaviors, the treats you choose matter more than you think. And with The Nojo’s Dog Jerky, you’re giving your pup more than just a reward—you’re giving them a healthy foundation built on trust, nutrition, and love.
👉 Ready to make training easier, healthier, and more fun?
Check out The Nojo’s Dog Beef Jerky and Turkey Jerky today.
Your dog will notice the difference—and so will you.