Photo: Nancy Kerns
When it comes to dog training, positive reinforcement is key, and the most common reward is giving your dog a tasty treat. Unfortunately, holding them in your hand or your pocket can lead to a sticky, crumbly mess. The best solution is a dog-training pouch which hold your treats until you need them. It keeps your hands mess-free and treats within easy reach for when your dog masters a training cue. Whether you’re searching for durability, size, or convenience, we’ve got you covered.
Dog Training Treat Pouch Features to Look For
- Easy-to-clean: Let’s face it, treats can get messy! It’s crucial to choose a pouch made of materials that can be wiped clean or even tossed in the washing machine. If your pouch is easy to clean, you’ll always be ready for your next training session without any leftover mess!
- Easy treat access for you (but not for your dog): Look for a pouch that can be closed, to ensure that treats won’t accidentally spill out – and so your dog can’t reach inside and help himself. Some pouches have a zipper, magnetic closure, or drawstring, but the easiest to open and close quickly are those with a spring-loaded French hinge. While these hinges are the fastest and easiest to open and close, they also wear out over time and may lose their “quick snap” ability.
- Size: You’ll want a dog training treat pouch that can hold a generous supply of treats for your pup. After all, you wouldn’t want to run out of rewards during a training session! Your dog will thank you!
- Extra Features: Whether you prefer a fashionable waist belt, a convenient clip or hook that can fasten to your pants waist or pocket, or an adjustable shoulder strap, you can find a pouch that suits your style. Some pouches even come with extra features like built-in waste bag dispensers or compartments to hold your keys, phone, or other personal items.
Our Top Picks
Terry Ryan Treat Pouch: This is our long-time favorite treat pouch. It features one of those helpful French spring-loaded hinges, which keeps the pouch open until you close it with a quick tap. It comes with a detachable waist belt and a plastic clip so you can attach it to your pants waist or pocket. Its front pocket has no closure, but can hold an average-sized cell phone. The total size is 8.5 inches by 6.5 inches. This is one of the pricier pouches, so keep in mind that the hinge that makes the opening and closing so quick and easy won’t last forever. Available in black and purple. $17.
Petsafe Treat Pouch Sport: This product is similar in every way to the Terry Ryan Treat Pouch, complete with the French hinge, detachable waist belt, and plastic clip; it’s a tad larger, however, at 8 inches by eight inches. A divider in the main compartment keep treats separate and there is a front pocket for your phone and/or keys. Available in black/grey, red/gray, and blue/gray. $18.
Kurgo Go Stuff-It Dog Treat Bag: This dog treat bag features a wide drawstring opening for easy treat access while keeping them fresh (note that the drawstring pulls from the top, making it a tad harder to find, open, and close). Attach it with your own belt or a carabiner (included) clipped to a belt loop. Machine-washable, it includes a zippered side pocket for keys or other small items. Available in blue, red, and navy blue. $13.
Tuff Mutt Treat Pouch: Here’s another pouch that has a drawstring closure, only this one tightens and loosens from the side; it’s easier to find and operate this drawstring than the one on the Kurgo product. Its detachable strap can be used as a belt or over the shoulder, or the pouch can be attached to your belt or waistband with a plastic clip (provided). A small pocket holds a roll of poop bags, which can be dispensed through a handy opening. $17.
POPWARE Pooch Pouch Treat Holder: Made of 100% silicone, this flexible pouch has a slit on top; treats are kept inside until you slide your hand through the opening. The Pooch Pouch attaches to your belt or waistband with a plastic clip for hands-free carry, is non-porous so it won’t absorb oils or odors, and is dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning. Available in gray and blue $12.
With this tail-wagging selection of treat pouches to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect pouch that suits your needs.