The 5 Best Dog Treat Training Pouches
Positive reinforcement using treats is one of the primary methods for training young or undisciplined dogs, since the prospect of a reward in the form of food can help instill good canine behavior. But you don't want to have to go rummaging through your hand bag or back pack to find that kibble every time young Fido accomplishes a task. A dog treat training pouch, featuring a wide mouth and waist attachments, gives you direct, quick access to your pup's food, making it easier to show them when they've done something right. The models in our list come in a range of styles and shapes, from portable clip-on cases to more multi-functional day bags.
1. Paw Lifestyles – Dog Treat Training Pouch
Paw Lifestyles – Dog Treat Training Pouch
The best-selling Paw Lifestyles Pouch demonstrates that a good training bag can offer more than just a convenient place to store your dog’s food. The multi-functional model boasts a number of ergonomic features for making your next outing pain and hassle-free, including an assortment of zip and mesh pockets and a back dispenser that gives you quick access to poop bags, so you can clean up after your pooch as easily as you reward them with kibble. It also features three different attachment options for comfortable carrying, from a sturdy metal belt clip to a waist band to an over-the-shoulder strap.
Pros:
- Pockets for keys and smartphone
- Lightweight nylon material
- Great value for money
Cons:
- Drawstring closure is a pain to use
- A little bulky
2. Doggone Good Rapid Rewards Pouch
Doggone Good Rapid Rewards Pouch
Carrying a training pouch in addition to a bag for all your other belongings can be cumbersome, which is why we love the Doggone Good Rapid Rewards Pouch. It helps you consolidate your luggage by offering enough space and storage options to accommodate all of your stuff, from car keys to phones to poop bags and, of course, plenty of kibble. That makes it a great choice for hikes and other activities, but it also serves more admirably as a training pouch than most others, since its wide, magnetic-closure mouth makes it easy to open and close without having to fumble with a drawstring.
Pros:
- Extremely versatile design
- Comes in a range of colors
- Durable 600 denier polyester material
Cons:
- Poop bag dispenser could be improved
- Main compartment is shallow
3. PetSafe Treat Pouch Sport
PetSafe Treat Pouch Sport
Most training pouches come with a drawstring closure that must be manipulated manually, which can make getting into them quickly somewhat difficult. The PetSafe Sport Pouch fixes that by incorporating a metal hinge around its mouth that stays open when you need it, but closes just as easily with a light touch of the hand. That helps cut down on the time it takes for your to access the kibble inside during a training session, allowing you to reward your pup faster and strengthen their positive reinforcement for select behaviors.
Pros:
- Divided inner pocket
- Waterproof and stain-resistant construction
- Carabiner for additional attachments
Cons:
- Metal belt clip is flimsy
- Exterior pockets are tight
4. ChuckIt! Treat Tote
ChuckIt! Treat Tote
If you’re looking for a simple training pouch that won’t break the bank, the ChuckIt! Treat Tote is a no-brainer. At a third of the cost of some other models out there, it gives you a place to store your pup’s treats or even their waste bags while on walks or visits to the park, and it clips easily to your belt, where it hangs discreetly and unobtrusively thanks to its compact size. It doesn’t have any extra pockets, so it’s not the most versatile option, but its portable and durable design makes it perfect for quick adventures.
Pros:
- Holds up to two cups of kibble
- Water-resistant, reinforced ripstop fabric
Cons:
- May be too small for some users
5. Kibble Bubble Dog Treat Pouch
Kibble Bubble Dog Treat Pouch
Young dogs require almost around-the-clock training to learn the right behavior, but no one wants to carry a treat pouch around with them all the time. Thankfully, the Kibble Bubble Dog Pouch makes the task of keeping a few treats around throughout the day relatively painless. Unlike other, more bulky pouches, this one is compact enough to clip to a key chain or backpack, ensuring that positive puppy reinforcement is never more than an arms-length away. Plus, its hard plastic construction means it’s easier to clean than the usual nylon fabric model.
Pros:
- Comes in three fun shapes
- Dishwasher safe
Cons:
- Doesn’t carry very much kibble
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a dog treat training pouch?
As its name suggests, a dog treat training pouch is a small bag that holds food for your pooch. It’s used by both professional trainers and casual owners to instill good behavior in dogs by rewarding them with a treat each time they accomplish a desired task, a process called positive reinforcement. Training pouches, which clip to the belt or secure to the waist and offer easy access to their contents with drawstring and magnetic closures, make it easy to quickly deliver those treats on the go.
What is positive reinforcement?
In psychology, positive reinforcement involves repeatedly giving some kind of reward (often called a reinforcement stimulus) to a subject when they perform a desired action, so that eventually the subject comes to associate the action with the reward and does it more often. This is an important technique when training dogs, since it allows you to communicate clearly which behaviors are right and which are wrong. Since dogs tend to respond to food more strongly than anything else, giving them treats as a reward for each right action is one of the best ways to promote positive reinforcement.
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