When the treat is drool-worthy, training starts to feel like playtime. 

Why Peanut Butter is a Training MVP

Peanut butter works as a high-value reward that keeps dogs excited to learn new tricks. But choosing a peanut butter made just for dogs makes training healthier, safer, and way more fun.

Training your dog is all about communication, trust, and a good reward system. If you're helping your puppy learn basic obedience, teaching an old dog a new trick, or improving behavior like excessive barking, treats play a big role in motivation. Peanut butter is a favorite because most pups love the smell and taste.

But not all peanut butter is made for dogs. Many human brands include additives like xylitol, artificial sweeteners, and added salt — things dogs should avoid. 

That’s why Bark Bistro Buddy Budder is such a tail-wag winner:

• Made for dogs because they are safe, simple, and lick-approved

• Short ingredient list means fewer chances of irritation

• Whole, recognizable foods which are real and easy to trust

• Texture that makes training feel like a celebration
  

Think of Buddy Budder as your peanut-butter-powered training buddy, cheering on every correct cue.

Choosing High-Value Treats: Why Simple Ingredients Matter

Dogs stay excited when the treat is worth working for. A high-value treat keeps their eyes up, their ears open, and their dog’s nose fully locked in.

Simple ingredients support:

• Comfortable digestion

• Consistent appetite

• Happy, motivated training sessions
  

Bark Bistro Flavor Inspiration:

• Bee Pollen → supports immune balance

Bee pollen contains natural antioxidants and micronutrients. It can be a gentle way to support your dog’s overall wellness — especially helpful for pups who need a little boost staying well during season changes or active outdoor playtime. 

• Beef Broth → savory focus-booster

Beef broth has a naturally rich scent that grabs your dog’s attention. During training sessions, this flavor can help keep your pup engaged, motivated, and tuned in when you need their focus the most.

• Pumpkin → gentle digestion support

Pumpkin is rich in soluble fiber, which supports regular digestion. Great for puppies still developing their potty routine because consistent digestion makes schedules easier to manage.

When you're teaching new dog tricks, simple foods make the reward clear and enjoyable. No confusion and no filler flavor.

Training Tools & Treat Types (How Each One Fits Your Session)

Different treats help with different training methods. Here's how to choose based on your goals:

Buddy Budder Jars

For licks, dips, and longer-focus moments.

Great for:

• Sit & Stay (longer hold practice) 

• Place (staying in one spot)

• Look / Focus (great for puppies who get distracted)
  

Pro Tip: Spread Buddy Budder on a lick mat before your training session. It calms the mind and helps your dog settle into a seated position or standing position with focus.

Buddy Budder Squeeze Packs

Mess-free, pocket-ready motivation.

Use during:

• Walk training

• Loose leash walking

• Recall ("Come!") practice
  

These are perfect for practicing verbal commands outdoors. Just squeeze → reward → repeat to reinforce the behavior.

Budder Bites 

Quick rewards that keep momentum up.

Why trainers love them:

• Small enough for frequent rewards

• Easy to swallow fast during a training session

• Helps avoid losing focus mid-trick

• Doubles as a pill-hiding treat (goodbye stress)
  

This keeps training fun, especially when learning easier tricks or basic tricks like shake hands or spin.

Training Tricks to Try Using Peanut Butter Treats

Sit & Stay

A classic trick and foundation for nearly every other useful trick.

1. Hold a Budder Bite just above your dog’s head.

2. Their rear end will naturally lower — the sitting position.

3. Say “Sit.”

4. Pause → reward → verbal cue: “Good sit!”

5. For Stay, hold a slow reward swipe of Buddy Budder to maintain the hold position.
   

This teaches patience and impulse control without pressure or force.

“Touch” (Nose Targeting)

Perfect for improving focus during agility training, redirecting excessive barking, or shaping advanced tricks.

1. Put a tiny bit of Buddy Budder on your closed fist.

2. Present it near your dog’s nose and say “Touch.”

3. When their nose connects = reward.

4. Add distance gradually.
   

This strengthens attention and builds communication skills that make future learning smoother.

Down + Relaxation Practice

Helps when your pup gets zoomies during training.

1. Start in the sitting position.

2. Guide your dog’s head downward using a light lure of Buddy Budder.

3. As soon as elbows hit the ground → gentle praise + reward.

4. Use a lick mat for peaceful settling practice.
   

This builds self-soothing skills and calm behavior.

Recall (“Come Here!”)

A must-have for safety and confidence.

Backyard partner exercise:

1. Person A holds the squeeze pack.

2. Person B calls the dog: “Come!” (happy, upbeat tone)

3. When the dog reaches the caller → reward like a celebration.

4. Switch roles and repeat.
   

Recall becomes your dog’s favorite trick when it always leads to joy.

Trick Time – Fun & Cute Tricks to Show Off

Once your dog feels confident with basic obedience like Sit, Stay, and Down, you can sprinkle in some fun trick training to keep things exciting. These tricks are playful, great for bonding, and help improve balance, coordination, and focus. Keep your training session short and rewarding, use a clear verbal command, and remember to celebrate attempts, not just perfect reps. The goal is joy. Your pup doesn’t need to nail it on the first try. Grab your Buddy Budder or Budder Bites and enjoy watching your dog think, try, and proudly show off their newest moves. Tail wags guaranteed.

These add flair once your dog has basic obedience down and help improve balance, confidence, and coordination.

Enrichment Bonus: Pair with Lick Mats

Lick mats encourage mental stimulation, calm behavior, and slower enjoyment of treats. Ideal during:

• Nail trims

• Bath or grooming time

• Post-walk wind-down

• Crate relaxation practice
  

Buddy Budder spreads smoothly, helping your pup stay busy and relaxed without stress.

Make Training a Treat

Training your dog doesn't need to feel overwhelming. With the right dog treats, your sessions become little victories you both get to celebrate. Practice basic commands, introduce a cool trick, or build confidence in new environments with Bark Bistro treats. Our delicious budders keep training positive, motivating, and full of happy licks.

Ready to start your next training adventure?

Grab your goodies:

• Buddy Budder Jars: Best for longer hold behaviors like Sit & Stay or Place  

• Squeeze Packs: Ideal for on-the-go training: parks, walks, driveways, backyards

• Budder Bites: Great for fast-paced tricks where momentum matters 

• Bundles: Lets you rotate flavors to keep your dog’s motivation high https://barkbistro.com/collections/bundles

Call your pup. Open the jar. Let the tail-wag learning begin.