Best Training Treats for Dogs: My Secret to Well-Behaved Pups

The other day, I joined a group of dog parents from the neighborhood for an impromptu meet-up at the park. While my terrier Pixie was busy showing off her latest trick—a dramatic “play dead” that earned gasps and applause—I couldn’t help but notice another dog mom in the distance struggling to catch her wiley Bichon Frise. I would later learn she went by the name "Fluffy".

The dog mom's growing frustration with the tiny ball of cuddles was evident—and understandable, as the pup darted the dog mom's every attempt to catch her. With the woman's permission, I intervened. And we got the pup dog back on the leash.

Afterward, we all started talking about how dog training is about more than teaching them tricks that entertain us humans. The best training treats for dogs are communication tools that improve our relationships with our K9s. It's about helping dogs understand what their human guardians expect. When we teach them to come when we call, we can keep them safe despite distractions. What if Fluffy had run out into the street?

For all we know, Fluffy may have thought running away was a game. Investing some time in dog training is the best way to avoid this situation and create harmony between humans and furry companions.

How Treats for Training Dogs Support Well-Behaved Pups

When is a treat more than a snack? When we use dog treats as a tool to demonstrate safe and desirable behavior. Jumping up on people, barking at every noise, destroying furniture, running away when we call, and eating house shoes are all natural dog behaviors we can redirect into more constructive (less destructive) activities.

After dog training, a dog thinks something like, "When I do this action, my dog dad or mom is very pleased with me. I like when they're happy!"

The best dog treats work by:

• Holding a dog's attention
• Motivating desired behavior
• Showing the dog when they get it right—more than words can.
• Reinforcing positive behaviors
• Creating more lasting memories, so new dog skills become habits.

In other words, a treat is like your boss (or friend) telling you, "You nailed it!" But you're saying it in terms dogs can understand.

What to Look for in the Best Training Treats for Dogs

The best treats for training are healthy but also irresistibly tasty for dogs. They should get dogs excited about training and create positive associations with well-behaved actions.

Look for treats that are low-calorie and easy to portion—since you may need many for a 20-30 minute training session.

Training treats for dogs can be something small, like a kibble. But they can also be larger for a more substantial reward. A dog bone, maybe.

Either way, I want dog training treats loaded with nutrition, especially nutrients that aren't common in an all-kibble diet—omega 3, B12, collagen, and glucosamine, for example.

That said, what isn't in your training treats could be as important as what is. Look for no added sugar, additives, preservatives, or dangerous tanning and bleaching chemicals like those in rawhide treats.

At the end of the day, dogs love real meat. They'd do handstands for it if they could.

So, a single-ingredient, meaty treat is really what we're looking for here.

Best Training Treats for Dogs by Training Goal

Best for Learning Tricks: Beef Lung Organ Meat Treats

If you haven’t tried beef lung treats in training, you’re missing out. These lightweight, single-ingredient bites are packed with protein and nutrients like B12, which support energy and brain health. Plus, omega-3 and lots of collagen protein.

They’re easy to break into smaller pieces, making them perfect for long training sessions. Pixie flips for them every time. I keep a bag handy. Get your own big bag of lung dog treats.

Best The Long-Lasting Reward: Beef Trachea Chews

These are mostly cartilage, so they're chewy and easy on teeth. But most dogs will take a while to eat it when given one of the appropriate size. These meaty bites contain significant collagen, glucosamine, and chondroitin for joint health. You can try trachea chew training treats here.

Best for Stopping Destructive Behavior: Marrow Bones

Marrow bones can provide long-lasting chew sessions for dogs to feel stimulated. A high-quality marrow bone is like a dog puzzle toy, redirecting boredom into an activity. They twist, chew, and lick to release the sweet, nutritious dog marrow. It can alleviate anxiety and promote mental well-being.

Chewing on a dog bone becomes an outlet for their chewing instinct, steering them away from activities like barking at everything, scratching wood floors, or chewing up their hiking boots the night before the big hike. Been there.

Another great thing about marrow bones is that they're refillable dog treats. Dogs love "people foods" like natural peanut butter, yogurt, berries, and squash. These are okay in moderation and can mix things up. Grab K9 Connoisseur’s free marrow refill guide for creative recipes and tips.

Best Dog Treat Pouch

Since you'll need different treats for various types of training, you'll want a pouch specifically designed to keep your treats organized. Try this dog treat pouch. It's perfect in every way.

Best Dog Bone Treats for Training Dogs By Dog Size

The size of the bone is important. It should always be as big as your dog's head so they won't swallow it in one gulp. Therefore, I'm including dog bones for training dogs of various sizes below.

Best Dog Bones for Training Small Dogs

For smaller pups like my new park friend's Bichon Frise, I recommended she try meaty beef kneecaps. They're thinner. So even the tiniest ball of cuddles can get their jaw around it to enjoy some good chewing action.

Best Dog Bone for Training Big Dogs

For larger dogs, you’ll want something substantial that can withstand powerful jaws. Enter the Contender Bone—a massive beef marrow bone perfect for big chewers like my lab mix, Bruno.

Best Dog Bone for Training Medium-Sized Pups

For medium-sized dogs, like my terrier Pixie, you'll appreciate meaty beef rib bones. They’re not too large for her to handle. But they’re durable enough to satisfy her need to chew.

Best Dog Treats for Training Puppies

For puppies, I like beef riblets. They're sliced into smaller pieces that all but the biggest puppies can enjoy. Remember to wait until their adult teeth come in. And if your puppy is already huge by 6 months, you may need dog bones for mid-sized dogs instead.

The Bottom Line: Training with Treats

Dog treats are more than just snacks—they’re tools for building trust, teaching good behavior, and strengthening the bond between you and your dog.

Whether you’re working with a tiny pup or a towering dog, the right dog training treats can make all the difference. From quick, bite-sized rewards like beef lung bites to long-lasting options like marrow bones, there’s a perfect treat for every training goal.

May your days be filled with more happy tails with a well-behaved pup!

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