It seems like such a small thing but choosing the right treat pouch makes a big difference. It really depends what dog training activity that you want to pursue that affects the type of treat pouch you would buy.
In the past, I have had the experience of loosing a treat pouch whilst running in agility with my dogs. That is until I found the right kind of pouch for the sport. Having the right equipment makes a big difference in dog training, it doesn’t mean you have to have the best of the best, top tier equipment. It just means you need something that is suitable and is meant for the job.
There will be no internationally recognised specific pouch for a specific dog sport but we have found the best ‘kinds’ and things to look for in a few certain dog activities.
Here, we are focusing on the features that the treat pouch offers. Some that we mention may be more simple than others (in terms of the features it displays) but all of these can be helpful and are recommended by us.
Types of Treat Pouches
Pouches come in all different materials and styles. They are all generally classified as ‘Treat Pouches’ but we have allocated different features of treat pouches to be useful in certain types of dog training (these of which are mentioned later).
All pouches you find will most likely be similar material, which will be waterproof on the inside. This is especially helpful as your hands will start to get slobbery and wet in your training session and you don’t want the fabric to soak up that slobber and become stinky overtime. With this, you want to buy a treat pouch that is washable because even with a waterproof protection, they can eventually become dirty and smelly.
Most of these will have a way to close the pouch for when you are not currently training. This aspect doesn’t matter much but you still might have a preference. There are varieties with drawstrings, zippers, velcro and magnets. Take note that depending on how the velcro is styled, velcro closing pouches may be hard to get treats out of.
Another thing (and probably one of the most important aspects to consider) is the storage. This is focusing on how many ‘pockets’ or sections the pouch has and how big they are. What do you want to use the treat pouch for? If you are doing something like obedience but also want the pouch to double for walking then you might like something that has storage for your phone, treats and also poo bags (some people even like to have a clip to attach the lead to.
There is also many more things that you can take in mind and think about when purchasing a place to carry treats but these are our main tips on what to consider.
Obedience Treat Pouches
If you are into obedience of any level or are just a general first time dog owner doing a few commands then a simple obedience treat pouch will save your hands (no rhyme intended)!
There are not too many things you need to consider for this sort of category just that you need room for treats. However if you have a specific preference in different areas then we have found some different types for you.
This is your classic type of go to treat pouch for general training. This product is best for owners who are just training a few times a week and need something simple but good quality to keep their hands free.
This is a drawstring closing product that of course has a clip on the back to attach to your pants. You will also find that DOOG creates their products in lots of different styles so you can browse around their website to find this exact treat pouch in a different patterned material…
DOOG Good Dog Treat Pouch – Large
Another high quality treat pouch product is the DOOG ‘Good Dog Treat Pouch’ in a large size. This belt attaches quite differently to the small variation and is attached to a belt that you wear around your waist.
Being a bigger version, this treat pouch offers some more storage. You will find two pockets, one which you can utilise for treats and the other for your belongings. You will also find a poo bag dispenser in this product which can make it especially useful for when training out and about.
The Paw Lifestyles Training Treat Pouch can be bought off Amazon and has some good storage options. This is particularly helpful if you are a owner or trainer who does training quite frequently, professionally or goes out and about with your dog often.
The pockets in this pouch offers space for your phone or other essentials, treats, poo bags (to go in a built in dispenser), an extra small pocket for things like keys, yet another pocket, clips to attach something like a clicker to and a drawstring to close the main compartment of the pouch.
The interesting thing about this product is you can change how you wear it. Firstly there is the classic clip on treat pouch, then you can use the belt it comes with and clip it around your waist, and finally you can use it like a bag over your shoulder/ crossbody.
Agility Treat Pouches
For most types of dog training/ activities you’ll survive if you don’t have the recommended type of treat pouch for your activity, however, when it comes to agility, we find one aspect of the treat pouch really important. Don’t worry though, we’ve got you covered with a fantastic agility pouch and if you can’t get this specific one, just take inspiration!
The problem we have had in the past with some treat pouches is that when you are running in agility, the pouch can easily fall off. If the clip is directly attached to the back then it gives the pouch no flexibility and when you move, the clip will come off your pants.
To solve this, you need one where the treat pouch can be flexible even with the clip attached to your pants.
Petbarn – All Day Nylon Dog Treat Pouch
This Petbarn treat pouch is the perfect pocket for agility. It is a simple drawstring pouch with a clip that attaches to your belt. The best thing about this is that the clip is not directly on the back of the pouch. Instead, it is embroidered and attached above it so even whilst wearing this extra pocket and running around, this treat pouch doesn’t come loose.
The drawstring closing can come in handy when you are not currently the pouch and your dog is getting dangerously close to the treats! This comes in the colour blue and black and is the perfect pocket for your agility training!
General Use: Dog Walking and Training Belt (DOOG)
For us, this belt ties it all together. The DOOG Walkie belt collection is the perfect belt to be wearing with your treat pouch. It can even be used to attach you pouch instead of clipping it to your pants. The DOOG Walkie Belt offers so many features and when paired with a treat pouch, you’ll have everything you need to have fun and take care of your dog!
This belt offers:
- carabineers to attach your dogs leads
- 3 different pockets (two with zips)
- A bag dispensing pocket (comes with 20 bags but you may buy more to replace them)
- A tennis ball holder
If you would like to purchase this fantastic belt for yourself then please use this link!
Please Note
We hope you have found the right treat pouch for your activity! There are so many more out there and these are just what we look for in treat pouches for different activities.
- We also suggest that the agility treat pouch can be used for all areas, not just agility.
- The DOOG Walkie Belt comes in lots of different colours and patterns, you can find these by browsing their website.