How to Use Freeze-Dried Beef Liver as a Dog Training Treat
If your dog loves freeze-dried beef liver, try it as a training reward. Break a chunk into small pieces before you start, then find a quiet spot where your dog can focus. Give them a piece as soon as they do what you asked. For more on timing, see VCA Canada’s guide to using food and treats for training.
How small should a training treat be?
Use pieces your dog can eat quickly so you can keep practising. What counts as a small piece depends on your dog and how easily the treat breaks apart. Keep a few pieces in your pocket or treat pouch so they’re ready when you need them.
If your dog hasn’t tried liver before, offer a small piece and see what they think. A high-value treat is one your dog gets especially excited about. Try a few rewards and watch which ones your dog goes for first. For more ideas, see Ontario SPCA’s guide to choosing training treats.
Try a simple check-in exercise
- Start in a quiet room with a few small pieces ready. Give your dog a moment to look around.
- As soon as your dog glances at you, say “yes” and give them a piece. That helps them connect the reward with looking at you.
- Let your dog look away, then wait for another glance. Repeat a few times and take a break.
- Once your dog is checking in easily, try a slightly busier spot, like near the front door. If they’re too distracted to look at you, go back somewhere quieter.
For more on rewarding the behaviour you want, see VCA Canada’s guide to reinforcement and rewards.
If you want to try this with our Beef Liver Chunks, they’re made with one ingredient: Alberta beef liver. We freeze-dry them at our family butcher shop in Cold Lake, Alberta, and sell them in two bag sizes. Shop the 55 g bag · Shop the 100 g bag
When should you reach for a higher-value reward?
Save a favourite treat for a new skill or a spot with a little more going on. For something your dog already knows at home, a bit of their usual kibble may be enough. If they take liver indoors but ignore it outside, move farther from whatever’s distracting them and make the exercise easier. See VCA Canada’s guide to choosing rewards.
How many liver treats can I give my dog during training?
It depends on how big the pieces are, how many calories they contain, and what else your dog eats that day. Set aside the pieces you plan to use and count them with the rest of the day’s treats. If your dog is on a prescribed diet or has a health condition that affects what they can eat, ask your vet before trying a new treat. For more, see VCA Canada’s guide to training treats.