Training Treat Pouch Recommendation

I've been training dogs since 2007, and in that time I've experimented with a lot of different training tools.

One thing I recommend to every single client?

Invest in a good treat pouch.

Can you use your pocket?

Sure. I've done it.

Until the treats get wedged into the folds of your pocket, completely ruining your timing. Or you forget they're in there and wash your jeans... been there, done that. More than once.

Then there's capacity. You're constantly running back to your bag to reload treats, which adds frustration to a job that already feels like it requires three hands.

Can you use a fanny pack?

Yep. Dust that thing off from the '80s and put it to work. Any pouch is better than no pouch... but not every pouch is created equal.

Some have drawstrings.

What's the point of the drawstring unless you're not training your dog?

You have to leave it open so you can actually get treats out quickly, which means sooner or later you're going to dump them all over the ground... or your dog is going to decide you've opened an all-you-can-eat buffet.

Then there are the fancy collapsible treat pouches with the metal bar that holds them open.

They look impressive.

The price certainly reflects it.

But they're too stiff to get your hand into quickly with one hand, which means... once again... you leave them open and hope for the best.

At least most of those come with a belt.

Now let's talk about my biggest pet peeve...

That cheap plastic clip.

You know the one.

It works great... until it doesn't.

Then, seemingly at the worst possible moment...

Pop!

Your treat pouch falls off.

Your treats explode across the ground.

Your dog wins the jackpot while you're scrambling to scoop them up before they inhale a week's worth of rewards in ten seconds.

I've also seen people clip treat pouches to just about everything imaginable.

Their shirt.

Gym shorts.

A hoodie pocket.

A crossbody bag.

Technically, they all work...

Until you actually need a treat every five seconds.

Now you're lifting your elbow into your own face, fighting with your shirt, or reaching across your body like you're trying to buckle a seatbelt.

And let's not even talk about bending over with an open pouch only to discover gravity has other plans.

Why does any of this matter?

Because dog training is all about timing.

You're juggling a leash, rewards, your marker words, your surroundings, and trying to reinforce your dog at precisely the right moment.

If you're fumbling with your treat pouch, you've already missed the opportunity.

Your dog doesn't associate the reward with the behavior they just performed.

That's why I keep coming back to magnetic treat pouches.

They automatically snap closed behind your hand, so you don't have to think about it. They open easily with one hand, close on their own, and because of their wider magnetic opening, most dogs can't help themselves to treats while you're wearing it.

(Unless they steal the entire pouch... yes, I've lost a few that way too. 😅)

I've tried the silicone magnetic pouches too.

They're inexpensive, easy to clean, and when they get dirty you can simply empty the treats out first and toss them in the dishwasher. The fabric pouches can usually go right into the washing machine too, so don't overthink keeping them spotless.

The silicone pouch works well enough in the short term, but over time I've found the magnetic closure is fairly weak and the pouch itself has a tendency to come apart with regular use.

And then...

That same cheap plastic clip makes another appearance.

Once it breaks—and it usually does if you actually use it regularly—it becomes a huge pain to keep the pouch attached.

For someone training their own dog a couple of times a week, they're probably fine. For someone like me who's been training dogs professionally since 2007 and uses a treat pouch every single day, I found they just didn't hold up.

One more piece of advice...

Don't try to line your treat pouch with a plastic bag to keep it clean.

I know... I can practically hear your mother's voice saying, "Put a bag in there so it doesn't get dirty."

Don't do it.

Every single time that plastic bag folds in on itself, and now you're standing there for what feels like 30 seconds trying to poke your fingers into the opening while your dog has already offered you three perfect sits, two downs, and a spin... all before you've managed to fish out a single treat.

Just put the treats directly in the pouch.

It'll be easier on your sanity, and your dog will thank you for the better timing.

So... get to the point already.

The treat pouch I recommend is the GoBeigo 2-Cup Magnetic Treat Pouch.

Of course my favorite is the purple one, but they come in all kinds of colors.

It has two magnetic closures, a real metal clip, a waist belt so your pouch isn't taking surprise dives onto the ground, a zippered pocket, and even a built-in poop bag holder.

If you're plus-sized like me, I actually skip the included belt and wear it on a utility belt instead. It makes taking it on and off much easier and keeps it exactly where I want it.

I've gone through enough treat pouches over the years that I don't mind spending a little more on one that simply works.

Because training your dog is hard enough.

Your treat pouch shouldn't be part of the challenge.

🛒 GoBeigo 2-Cup Magnetic Treat Pouch:
https://amzn.to/46ciOPe

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