The Most Underrated Dog Walking Accessory? A Treat Pouch

When a distraction occurs during a walk, using a cue to redirect your dog’s attention is great. Yet, if you realise you don’t have any treats as your dog gazes up at you, guilt ensues. Even if you do have some, it can be a struggle to fish through your pockets to find them. 

Your dog deserves to be rewarded for good walking behaviours, so don’t let them down. There’s one small gear upgrade that’s life-changing for leash training: a treat pouch. By bringing a treat pouch on walks, you can offer treats faster without having to store them in lint-filled pockets.

Why Carrying Treats on Walks is a Game-Changer

A walk without treats isn’t complete. By having low-calorie, high-value treats on hand, walks become more enjoyable for both you and your dog. These treats keep your dog’s attention by reinforcing good behaviours and redirecting from distractions like other dogs, people, and wild animals. “Heel,” “wait,” and “let’s go” are a few great cues to focus on when you have a treat pouch.

Even if your dog is the most well-behaved canine in the world, consistent training is the best way to continue good habits while forming a stronger bond with your dog. Every time your dog listens to a cue or walks calmly, reward them with a treat. You’ll have an easier time controlling your dog while also keeping them happy and focused.

Pocket vs. Pouch—Let’s Be Real

You might be wondering why a treat pouch is needed when pockets exist. If you’re okay with crumbs in your pockets and a smelly residue left behind, pockets might be fine. But having a treat pouch keeps your clothes clean while making it quicker and less awkward to grab treats.

Treat pouches typically clip on a belt loop or wrap around your waist, making them a hands-free item to bring on walks. Immediately giving your dog a treat when they behave is the best way to reinforce good behaviours, and treat pouches make that much easier than pockets do.

What to Look for in a Good Treat Pouch

There’s a wide variety of treat pouches on the market, so consider the following when choosing one:

• Opening/Closing - Many dog parents want a treat pouch that’s easy to open, such as one with magnets or drawstrings. However, zippers offer more security, so decide which you prefer. Some have multiple pockets with different types of closures.

• Clip Style - Do you want the pouch to clip onto something, like a belt loop or bag, or would you prefer one that wraps around your waist like a belt? Consider your typical walking attire to help you decide.

• Space - Think about how much space you need. If you want room for extra items, such as poop bags, keys, and a clicker, choose a large treat bag.

• Material - Look for durable materials that can withstand the outside elements. The material should also be easy to wash, so machine-washable pouches are great.

If you’re having a hard time finding a treat pouch that fits all your needs, consider the True Charlie Treat Bag. It has a roomy double-layer pouch, allowing you to store both treats and other walking gear. Plus, there are four ways to wear it so it can suit every dog parent’s lifestyle.

Bonus Uses You Might Not Expect

Treat pouches work well for all types of dog, no matter their walking style. They can help redirect the attention of reactive dogs and teach leash manners to young puppies. Yet, they can serve other purposes aside from holding snacks.

Instead of using them for treats, you can fill them with kibble so your dog has a meal on the go. You can even give your dog the pieces of kibble as training treats to help slow down their meals. If the treat pouch is big enough, it can also work as a small storage bag for non-treat items like your phone, keys, and of course, poop bags.

A treat pouch might seem like a small thing, but it’s the key to smooth walks. Having treats on hand leads to better training, and as a result, a better behaved dog. It’s the perfect way to keep your dog engaged and focused on walks without having to fill your pockets with crumbs.