The Best Chews for Training Aggressive Chewers

Last Saturday, I was in the middle of a big dog training session at our local training school with my lab mix, Bruno. Let me tell you, training Bruno has been a journey. This boy has jaws of steel and a stubborn streak to match. During our session, the trainer handed me a chew toy to use as a reward. Bruno chomped down, and within seconds, half of it was gone.

That’s when I realized that for training aggressive chewers like Bruno, the right dog chews can make or break your success. Whether I'm using dog bones or dog treats, here's what I've found works best.

Why Dog Training for Aggressive Chewers Is Different

Aggressive chewers like Bruno can destroy some dog bones in minutes.

This means if I don't get them the best bones for strong chewing, they get less chew time overall. They don't have time to make those positive associations or learn what I'm trying to teach them.

How to Use Dog Bone Chews in Dog Training for Aggressive Chewers

Some dog training chews are more substantial than dog treats. They're not intended to be eaten in gulp. They require some jaw action, which dogs love.

While you might give small dog treats with each successful action performed, dog chews like dog bones provide this longer satisfaction. They're useful in several types of training scenarios:

Teaching Dogs to Chew Together

If you have several dogs, you probably know the risks of putting a dog bone in the mix. The K9s are likely to fight over that one bone that they all seem to think is the best one.

I have 3 dogs. And it took some time to get them to the point where I could give each one a dog bone in the presence of the others.

But through dog training, we got to the point where each patiently waits as I hand out the bones. To accomplish this with an aggressive chewer, I had to be sure that each dog training bone was durable. I don't have to worry about a split bone complicating a multi-dog chew session.

Steps to train dogs to share chew time:

1. Give each dog a mat or spot to lie on and practice going to and sitting here before adding bones to the mix.
2. Display calm but firm body language. You're the pack leader.
3. Practice with no more than 2 dogs at a time.
4. Place their mats 10-15 feet apart.
5. Praise and comfort both dogs before bringing out the dog bone. Good vibes!
6. Instruct them to go to their respective mats.
7. Introduce the bone to one dog while instructing the other to stay and quickly give the other dog their bone.
8. Redirect dogs to their mats if they approach the other.

Practice until you can calmly hand out bones while they stay. Move them closer together until it's "no thing" to share chew time as a family.

Stopping Destructive Behavior

I also use the best chews for aggressive chewers to stop destructive chewing. Dogs instinctually want to chew on things and "play" with things they shouldn't.

When they don't have an outlet for this energy, they do things humans label as "destructive behavior"—destroying pillows, chewing up shoes, scratching doorframes, barking at everything.

You can train your pup to channel this energy with the best chews for aggressive chewers.

Chewing on a dog bone that can last is stimulating. They feel entertained and rewarded, especially if it's a marrow-filled dog chew bone. Regular dog bone access can alleviate dog depressive and anxious behaviors. It can improve their mood overall.

Plus, the best chew bones can keep the attention of aggressive chewers for a long time. The best training bones don't fall apart or get eaten in 2 minutes like most bones.

The good news is you don't have to give your dog free access to their bone to redirect their attention away from destruction.

I give my dogs their dog bones 2-3 times a week for 15-20 minutes. This is plenty of time to give a dog a sense of satisfaction they need to stop pursuing less-desirable activities.

Plus, the longest lasting bones can be reused many times. Just freeze it in between sessions to keep it sanitized. One bone can last for months or longer this way.

And I like to refill the dog bone with yummy dog-approved fillings like yogurt or peanut butter after most of the marrow is gone. This helps my dogs access every last bit of the nutritious bone marrow. But it also makes one dog bone last a very long time. Get the free dog bone refill guide here.

Creating Positive Association

Some quick dog training treats are great for teaching tricks. I love all-natural, single-ingredient, grass-fed beef lung treats for that.

But longer-lasting treats for training dogs are better for providing a more substantial reward that creates a positive association.

Giving a dog a bone at key times can ease anxiety around certain activities and reward a pup for good behavior.

I like to give my dogs the best chews for aggressive chewers before, during, or after:

• Getting in the car
• Grooming visits
• Veterinarian visits
• During thunderstorms and fireworks
• Several visitors in the house

Improving Focus

Chewing on a dog bone is a mentally stimulating activity. It requires focus. So, if you have a more distractable pup, like my terrier Pixie, for example, the tastier and more durable the chew, the better your dog's attention during training.

Now, on to some of the best and healthiest training chews.

Best Chews for Aggressive Chewers

First, these will be a real, all-natural beef dog bone. Beef bones are sturdy and can hold up to aggressive chewing. I also prefer to buy grass-fed beef bones because they're higher in omega-3 fats and have less saturated fat. These are not just for training. They're so nutritious!

1. Best Chews for Aggressive Chewers that Need Joint Support

Beef trachea chews are perfect for training sessions. These single-ingredient, all-natural chews are made of cartilage. So they're tough enough to keep Bruno entertained but soft enough to prevent dental damage. Plus, they’re loaded with natural glucosamine and chondroitin to support joint health—a bonus for active dogs.

You can buy a whole bag of trachea on Amazon.

2. Best Dog Training Bones for Large Aggressive Chewers

Marrow bones are a game-changer for training aggressive chewers. Bruno loves the buttery taste of the marrow. And the bone itself provides hours of chewing fun. I give him a marrow bone after a successful training session to help him wind down.

You have many marrow bones to "chews". But for large aggressive chewers, like Bruno, I get the Contender. It's compact but large enough that he can't swallow it.

3. Best Treats for Training Dogs of Mid-Sized and Small Stature

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