Best training treats for Bichon Frise

The sticky pocket problem is real — soft treats that disintegrate mid-session are genuinely annoying and can put you off training altogether. The most effective training treats are pea-sized, high in protein, slightly smelly, and firm enough to stay intact in your pocket without turning into paste. They need to feel more exciting than the dog's regular food, so the dog stays focused on you rather than sniffing the floor. To point you toward the right thing: how big is your Bichon Frise, what are you training for right now, and does she have any dietary restrictions or sensitivities?

Good to know. Sensitive stomachs in small dogs are often triggered by treats with lots of added sugars, glycerin, or cheap fillers — which is exactly what most soft pocket treats are full of. For recall and loose lead work you need something she'll go absolutely mad for, because those are high-distraction skills. What brand are you currently using, and are you looking for something you can break into even smaller pieces, or happy with something that's already the right size out of the bag?

Wagg soft treats are basically bound together with sugars and humectants — no wonder they're dissolving in your pocket. For a 5kg Bichon with a sensitive stomach who needs high-value, pocket-safe treats already sized correctly, I'd go with Ziwi Peak Air-Dried Dog Treats. They're made from 96% fresh meat and organs — typically lamb or beef — with no grains, sugars, or fillers. They come out of the bag as small, firm, chewy pieces that hold together completely in a pocket or treat pouch. Because they're air-dried rather than baked or extruded, the smell is intense enough that most small dogs go absolutely wild for them, which is exactly what you need for recall. The limited ingredient list also makes them much gentler on sensitive stomachs than most commercial treats. One thing to note: they're not the cheapest option, but because they're so rich you use very few per session — a small bag lasts a long time.

Yes — Ziwi Peak sell a 85g pouch which is a good trial size. It's available on Amazon UK and in most independent pet shops. For a Bichon doing recall and lead work, 85g will last you several weeks of daily sessions, so it's a low-risk way to test whether she goes for them and whether her stomach handles them well. Give it two or three sessions and you'll know immediately if they're her thing.

Good luck with the recall work — Bichons are smart and food-motivated, so once you have a treat she's genuinely excited about, it tends to come together quickly. If her stomach reacts at all, the lamb version is usually the gentlest to start with. Hope the pocket stays clean from now on.