What Are the Best Treats for Training Puppies? Train with Love (and Treats)

The other morning, I visited my friend Susan, who recently welcomed an adorable Labrador puppy named Maximus into her home. Max was all floppy ears and oversized paws, exploring every corner of her living room. While the humans sipped coffee and enjoyed bagels with cream cheese and blueberries, Susan shared her excitement—and a little bit of panic—about being a new puppy parent.

“He’s such a handful!” she exclaimed as Max attempted to gnaw on the edge of her coffee table. “What kind of treats can I give him to help with training?"

As Max attempted to climb my lap (all 12 pounds of him), I launched into my spiel about puppy training treats, and why they should certainly be considered puppy essentials. Choosing the right ones can make all the difference in raising a well-behaved, happy pup.

Why Give Puppies Treats?

It's important to start training early. A pup may seem distractable. But they're also observant and eager to learn—with the best treats for puppies and the best techniques.

When shaping good habits from the start and reinforcing positive behaviors, teats play a big role because they:

• Motivate Learning - Puppies are naturally curious, and tasty treats can keep their attention. They do what it takes to get more of them.
• Reinforce Positive Behavior - Whether it’s sitting, staying, or not chewing the furniture, a treat says, “Great job, keep it up!”
• Strengthen Bonding - Training sessions become an opportunity to build trust and connection with your puppy.

Training a puppy isn't easy. But it's so rewarding to see them grow into a well-behaved juvenile. I live right down the street from Susan, so the good news is she'll have my hands-on support. And we're going to get started today—because I always carry a bag of training treats on me.

What can I say? I'm a devoted dog mom.

What a Puppy Training Schedule Looks Like (Timelines)

• House Training - Begin when you bring your puppy home, as early as 8 weeks old. Establish a consistent schedule for potty breaks and reward them immediately when they go in the right spot.
• Sitting, Staying, Go to Mat - Start teaching basic commands like this around 8-10 weeks old. Use small, bite-sized treats for quick reinforcement. These are fundamental skills for pups. Saying the word can instantly get their attention and stop destructive or disruptive behavior.
• Not Jumping on Guests - Puppies and some adult dogs love to jump up on people when they enter a room to say "Hi. Welcome. I missed you." While well-intentioned, this can be unwanted and even dangerous for more feeble house guests. Begin addressing jumping behavior as soon as it starts. Ignore your puppy when they jump up on your legs and reward calm behavior. Puppies as young as 8-12 weeks can start learning this. Use "sit" command when they do this to guests.
• Stopping Destructive Chewing - Redirect chewing as early as possible, usually at 8 weeks old. Provide appropriate chew toys or treats like trachea tubes to satisfy sore puppy mouths.

What I Look for in Puppy Treats

Puppies need different types of training treats for various sessions. Some are soft, chewy, and quick. Others are more substantial rewards. But generally, I'm looking for dog bones and treats that are:

• Single Ingredient with no additives, preservatives, added sugar or ingredients I can't pronounce
• Nutritious because dog training treats can double as supplemental nutrition. Omega 3, Collagen, Glucosamine and B vitamins are all things I like to see.
• Irresistible because they need to get a puppy's attention and feel rewarding

Puppies love meat. So, I get grass-fed beef treats for training dogs. Organ meats, cartilage-based treats, and meaty marrow beef dog bones are some of the best treats for puppies.

Other Puppy Essentials for Training

Dog Training Clicker

A clicker is a small device that makes a distinct sound, helping you mark desired behaviors during training. It's faster than a treat and allows dogs to associate action>click>treat. Find it here.

Washable Pee Pads

Puppies have small bladders and can't always wait for a walk. Here's a pack of 2 reusable pee pads. They're super-absorbent with a waterproof lower layer to protect floors.

Puppy Training Treat Pouch

Be ready for your next puppy training session with this puppy training treat pouch designed to help you stay organized.

The Best Treats for Training Puppies

Best for Quick Rewards and Learning Easy Commands

Beef lung bites are my go-to for teaching puppies foundational commands like “sit,” “stay,” and “come.” These lightweight, single-ingredient treats are high in collagen protein, low in fat, and packed with essential nutrients like vitamin B12. These nutrients support brain development, energy production, and healthy growth.

They’re also easy to break into smaller pieces, making them perfect for short attention spans during training sessions. And let’s be honest—dogs go nuts for their meaty flavor. It's organ meat—and nothing else. Max was practically doing somersaults for one! Find beef lung training treats here.

Best for Redirecting Destructive Chewing

Teething puppies are little chewing machines. Instead of letting them destroy furniture or shoes, give them trachea tubes please. These natural cartilage chews are softer than the traditional dog bone but tough enough to satisfy their instinct to gnaw.

Max forgot all about Susan’s table leg.

Best for Prolonged Entertainment

Puppies (and adult dogs) often don't know what to do with themselves. They feel bored and antsy and often turn to destructive activities. Once your puppy has all of their adult teeth, it's time to introduce marrow bones. They're like dog puzzle toys that keep dogs entertained and feeling active and stimulated. Plus, bone marrow is very nutritious in moderation. Here’s a great starter bone for puppies. 

Tips to Train a Puppy with Training Treats

Be Quick - Reward them immediately and consider using a clicker to enhance the sense of instant reward they feel when they follow a dog command.

Keep It Fun - Training shouldn't feel grueling for either of you. For a puppy, 5-10 minutes is a long time. You can also keep them interested by using unconventional treats like plain yogurt and berries in moderation. Check out my marrow bone refill guide for more ideas.

End on a High Note - Try to end after they follow a command, not after you get frustrated and quit. This helps them develop a positive association with the training itself. If they're struggling with a new trick. End with one you know they always get right.

Use Treats Wisely - Break treats into smaller pieces, and don't overdo treats between training to ensure you're not overfeeding your puppy.

The Bottom Line: Train with Love (and Treats)

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