Siberian Huskies are smart, stubborn, and independent — especially when it comes to training. They’re not the kind of dog that works for just any reward. To grab (and keep) their attention, you need high-value treats that go beyond the basic kibble.
The right reward can make all the difference in teaching commands, improving impulse control, and reinforcing positive behavior.
In this article, you’ll learn:
- The best types of treats for training Huskies
- What to avoid when choosing rewards
- Smart tips for using treats effectively in your training routine
What Is a “High-Value” Treat?
To a Husky, not all treats are created equal.
A true high-value treat is:
- Smelly – a strong aroma grabs their attention instantly
- Soft and chewy – easy to eat quickly during a session
- Small – so you can reward repeatedly without overfeeding
- Irresistible – better than whatever distraction is nearby
If your Husky would ignore a squirrel for it — that’s high value.
Best Store-Bought Treats for Huskies
1. Freeze-Dried Liver Treats
- Single-ingredient and super high-value
- Easy to break into tiny pieces
- Packed with flavor and protein
Top brands: Stewart, Vital Essentials
2. Soft Meaty Training Bites
- Perfect for frequent rewards during drills
- Come in a variety of flavors: beef, chicken, salmon
- Small, moist, and easy to digest
Top brands: Zuke’s Mini Naturals, Wellness Soft Puppy Bites
3. Cheese-Based or Dairy Treats
- Huskies love the strong smell and creamy texture
- Use in small amounts — ideal for dogs without dairy sensitivity
- You can even use string cheese, cut into bite-sized chunks
Examples: Barkworthies Cheese Bites, plain mozzarella sticks
4. Dehydrated Fish Treats
- Extremely smelly (dogs love it, humans not so much)
- Great for high-distraction situations or recall training
- Natural and protein-rich
Top brands: The Honest Kitchen, Icelandic+
Healthy Homemade Training Treats
Prefer a DIY or whole-food approach? Try these simple, effective options:
- Boiled chicken – chopped into tiny pieces
- Lean ground turkey or beef – cooked with no seasoning
- Carrot coins or apple bits – low-calorie and crunchy
- Peanut butter (xylitol-free) – use a squeeze pouch for easy delivery
- Frozen sweet potato cubes – tasty and textured
Pro tip: Freeze small portions ahead of time so you always have treats ready for training.
What Treats to Avoid
Some treats just don’t work well for training — or could even be unsafe. Avoid:
- Hard biscuits – take too long to chew and slow down your session
- Sugary or artificial snacks – can cause hyperactivity and offer little nutrition
- Rawhide – not safe for fast rewards, and can be a choking hazard
- Large or greasy pieces – may upset your dog’s stomach mid-session
Always check ingredient labels. Avoid treats with:
- Artificial dyes
- Chemical preservatives
- Sweeteners like xylitol (toxic to dogs)
How to Use Treats Strategically
1. Keep Sessions Short and Productive
Use high-value treats for new or difficult commands. Mix in lower-value rewards for basic cues your Husky already knows.
Short, focused sessions (5–10 minutes) prevent boredom and frustration.
2. Match the Treat to the Goal
Use high-value treats when training for:
- Recall – coming when called, especially off-leash
- Impulse control – commands like “leave it” or “stay”
- Distraction-proofing – around other dogs, noises, or busy environments
3. Fade Treats Gradually
Once your Husky masters a behavior:
- Start rewarding only every other time
- Replace treats with praise, toys, or play
- Keep occasional surprise treats to maintain motivation
This prevents treat dependency while still reinforcing good behavior.
Training Bag Essentials
Make your training sessions smooth and efficient with:
- A waist treat pouch for quick access
- Moist wipes or paper towels (training gets messy)
- Water bottle for hydration breaks
- A clicker if you use marker-based training
Preparation helps you stay consistent and positive in every session.
Final Thoughts: The Right Treat = Real Results
Huskies might not be eager to please, but they’re incredibly responsive when properly motivated. The secret isn’t dominance — it’s value.
With irresistible treats and thoughtful training techniques, your Husky can learn:
- Faster
- With more enthusiasm
- And with better long-term retention
So choose your rewards wisely, train consistently, and enjoy the progress — one tasty bite at a time.
