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There's nothing quite like loving a dog — no matter what kind of day you've had, a wagging tail at the door turns it around. Giving treats is a great way to show your dog you care, and it's also one of the most effective training tools you have. Here are five fun, enriching ways to treat your dog so there's always a surprise to look forward to.
Treats aren't just tasty — they help solidify your bond and reinforce good behavior. Modern, professional trainers rely almost entirely on positive, reward-based methods rather than punitive ones, and you can too: when your dog sits, comes, or lies down on cue, a treat makes the connection between good behavior and a happy reward (the AKC explains positive-reinforcement training here).
1. Hide and Seek
Dogs are natural hunters, and they love using their keen sense of smell to find a well-hidden treat. "Hide-a-treat" puzzle toys keep dogs engaged — sometimes for hours — and are perfect for keeping a pup entertained while you're busy or away.
2. Freeze!
Perfect for a hot day or when you'll be out for a while. Freeze a little xylitol-free peanut butter (or plain pumpkin) inside a hollow toy like a Kong. It keeps your dog busy and happy, helps them savor the reward instead of gulping it, and keeps teething puppies off your shoes.
3. Now You See It...
Dogs have object permanence, but it's not as developed as ours — so covering a treat with a washcloth becomes a little magic trick. Put a treat in front of your dog, cover it, and watch them work out where it went. It's a fun, low-key brain game.
4. Scavenger Hunt
Like an Easter egg hunt: place several treats around the house and let your dog sniff them out. It taps their instincts and gets them moving — great for a couch-potato or a senior who could use gentle activity. Since it uses multiple treats, choose small, healthy ones so your pup doesn't overindulge.
5. Trick or Treat
The classic: have your dog perform a trick to earn the reward. Use healthy, beneficial treats — like our hemp treats for dogs — to teach sit, shake, roll over, or play dead. Learning new tricks stimulates the brain and keeps your dog engaged, which supports a happier, more balanced life.
Small-batch, organic, full-spectrum hemp biscuits dogs love — perfect for rewards and enrichment games. Third-party tested, made on our Colorado family farm.
Shop Hemp Dog Treats →The most important thing about giving your dog a treat is that it's really about love. Your dog enjoys the treat, but their real joy comes from time with their favorite person — you. Learn more about how to use hemp dog treats or what makes a treat healthy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are treats bad for dogs if given often?
Not if you keep them within about 10% of daily calories and choose small, healthy treats. Using tiny training-sized pieces lets you reward frequently without overfeeding.
What can I stuff in a Kong or frozen toy?
Xylitol-free peanut butter, plain canned pumpkin, plain yogurt, or a bit of your dog's own food. Freezing it makes the treat last longer and adds a cooling element in summer.
Do treat puzzles really help my dog?
Yes — sniffing and problem-solving are mentally tiring in a good way, which can ease boredom and restlessness, especially for high-energy or home-alone dogs.
This content is for general information. Keep treats within a balanced diet and consult your veterinarian with any dietary questions.
