Raising a confident, well-adjusted puppy starts early — and the right treats play a huge role. Whether you’re socializing a young puppy, helping them overcome fear, or building positive associations with the world, high-value, puppy-safe treats make training faster and more effective.
In this guide, we’ll cover:
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How to boost a puppy’s confidence
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The 7-7-7 rule for dogs
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The best way to socialize a puppy
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What treats motivate dogs the most
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The best puppy treats for training (including puppies under 3 months)
How to Boost a Puppy’s Confidence
Confidence grows when puppies repeatedly experience new things without fear. The goal is to make every new experience feel safe and rewarding.
Confidence-building activities include:
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Meeting new people
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Hearing new sounds
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Walking on different surfaces
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Exploring new environments
Pairing these experiences with high-value treats teaches your puppy that the world is a good place.
Soft, easy-to-chew rewards like Training Treats are ideal for early confidence work because they’re gentle on young teeth and quick to eat.
What Is the 7-7-7 Rule for Dogs?
The 7-7-7 rule helps explain how puppies (and newly adopted dogs) adjust to new environments:
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7 days to decompress
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7 weeks to learn routines
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7 months to feel fully confident
During these phases, treats help reinforce:
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Calm behavior
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Positive reactions to new stimuli
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Trust with their handler
Using motivating but healthy rewards during this time speeds up emotional development.
What Is the Best Way to Socialize a Puppy?
The best way to socialize a puppy is through controlled exposure + rewards.
Effective Puppy Socialization Includes:
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Short, positive outings
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Calm introductions to people and dogs
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Exposure to everyday sounds (cars, doors, vacuums)
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Rewarding curiosity instead of forcing interaction
Each positive moment should be paired with a treat your puppy truly loves. Many trainers recommend soft, highly aromatic options like Beef Meat Sticks broken into tiny pieces for socialization sessions.
What Treats Motivate Dogs the Most?
Dogs are most motivated by treats that are:
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Smelly
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Soft or easy to chew
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Protein-rich
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High-value (used only for training)
For puppies, especially those under 3 months, treats should also be:
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Easy to digest
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Free from artificial additives
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Given in very small amounts
Great examples include:
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Sweet Potato Slices (broken into small pieces)
These options are popular among trainers and often recommended in “best puppy treats Reddit” discussions for being both motivating and gentle.
High-Value Dog Treats: Store-Bought vs Homemade
Homemade treats can work, but they often lack:
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consistent sizing
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long shelf life
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portability
Store-bought, single-ingredient or limited-ingredient treats are usually more convenient for training.
Soft, breakable options like Training Treats or thin pieces of Beef Meat Sticks allow for rapid reinforcement without overfeeding.
Treats for Puppies Under 3 Months
Very young puppies need:
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soft textures
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tiny portions
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simple ingredients
Avoid hard chews at this stage. Focus instead on:
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soft training treats
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thin, breakable rewards
Once your puppy is a bit older and teething settles, you can slowly introduce gentle chews like Beef Collagen Sticks for supervised enrichment.
Best Healthy Puppy Treats for Training
Healthy puppy treats should:
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Support digestion
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Avoid unnecessary fillers
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Be low-calorie for frequent rewards
Some excellent training and enrichment options include:
These treats help reinforce calm behavior, confidence, and focus without compromising nutrition.
Final Tips for Puppy Confidence & Socialization
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Keep sessions short and positive
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Never force interaction
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Reward curiosity and calm behavior
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Use high-value treats only for training
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Consistency matters more than quantity
With patience, proper socialization, and the right treats, your puppy will grow into a confident, well-balanced adult dog.