An assortment of healthy dog treats arranged beside a therapy dog vest and training clicker

Treats and Rewards for Therapy Dog Training and Sessions

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Which treats work best for training, and which are appropriate for facility visits? Our comprehensive guide.

# Treats That Make Tails Wag

The right treats can make training easier and sessions smoother. Here's what works best for therapy dog work.

Training Treats

For training sessions, look for: - Small size (pea-sized ideal) - Soft texture (quick eating) - High value (your dog should love them) - Low crumb (less mess)

### Our Top Training Picks - Zuke's Mini Naturals - Cloud Star Tricky Trainers - Wellness Soft Puppy Bites

Session Treats

During actual reading sessions, consider: - Timing (brief treat breaks, not constant feeding) - Allergies (check with facilities about food policies) - Mess potential (nothing crumbly)

### Our Top Session Picks - Freeze-dried single-ingredient treats - Commercial treat pouches - Homemade dehydrated meat

Facility Policies

Always check with each facility about: - Whether treats are allowed - Any ingredient restrictions - Where treats can be given

A therapy dog handler rewarding their dog with a small treat during a reading session
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Paws & Pages Team

The Paws & Pages team is dedicated to building confident readers through the unconditional love of therapy dogs. Our team of educators, trainers, and volunteers share tips, stories, and resources to support literacy and the human-animal bond.

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