Standing in the pet store aisle surrounded by dozens of treat options while your puppy wreaks havoc at home is a frustrating experience every new dog owner knows. In this episode, two-decade training veteran Steven Whitlow breaks down exactly what separates effective training treats from expensive failures. Whether you're struggling with a distracted puppy or worried about overfeeding during sessions, you'll learn the specific characteristics that make treats work as powerful communication tools during those critical early months of learning.

• Training treats should be pea-sized or smaller because a single session might involve 30 to 50 rewards—full-sized treats lead to weight gain and puppies who lose interest after just a few repetitions.

• Soft, chewy treats outperform crunchy biscuits for one critical reason: sp ...