Best Toys To Train A Puppy
Puppies are adorable, but let’s be honest—they’re also little troublemakers. If you don’t train them early, they’ll make up their own rules, and you probably won’t like them. The good news? Toys can be one of your best training tools. The right ones can teach your puppy how to focus, listen, and even behave better. But not all toys help with training—some just create chaos.
As a veterinarian with ten years of experience and someone who runs a sanctuary for stray dogs and cats, I’ve worked with puppies of all backgrounds. I know what works and what’s a waste of money. You need toys that reinforce good habits, engage their brain, and keep their attention on you instead of your furniture.
Here are the best toys to train your puppy—and actually make your life easier.
1. KONG Puppy – The Ultimate Training Tool
A KONG Puppy is more than just a toy—it’s a training essential. Stuff it with treats, kibble, or peanut butter, and it keeps your puppy engaged while teaching patience and independence. Need to crate-train? Give them a stuffed KONG. Want to stop separation anxiety? KONG. Teaching them not to beg at the table? KONG.
💡 Best for: Crate training, keeping puppies occupied, and reducing anxiety.
2. Tug-of-War Rope Toy – The Perfect Reward for Training Commands
A tug toy isn’t just for play—it’s an incredible way to reinforce training. Use it to reward good behavior. Tell your puppy to “sit” or “stay”, and when they listen, start the game. This teaches impulse control while still letting them have fun. Just make sure you’re in control of when the game starts and stops.
💡 Best for: Teaching impulse control, rewarding good behavior, and bonding.
3. Treat-Dispensing Puzzle Toys – Build Focus and Problem-Solving
Toys like the Outward Hound Dog Brick Puzzle or the West Paw Toppl make puppies think and work for their food. This helps with focus, patience, and mental stimulation—all key parts of training. A tired brain is a well-behaved brain.
💡 Best for: Teaching patience, preventing boredom, and slowing down fast eaters.
4. Snuffle Mat – Train Their Nose and Mind
A snuffle mat encourages puppies to use their nose to “hunt” for kibble or treats. This taps into their natural foraging instincts and helps slow down fast eaters. It’s also a great way to train them to focus on a task instead of getting distracted by everything around them.
💡 Best for: Mental stimulation, slow feeding, and building focus.
5. Clicker Training Toy – Reinforce Good Behavior Fast
A clicker training toy (like a Clik-R Training Tool) helps you mark and reinforce good behavior instantly. Pair the click with a treat, and your puppy quickly learns what earns them rewards. It works for everything—from potty training to leash manners.
💡 Best for: Fast, clear communication during training.
6. Soft Plush Toy for Comfort and Confidence
A soft, squeaky plush toy (like a HuggleHounds or Kong Cozie) gives your puppy something to carry around and cuddle with. Why is this important for training? Because a puppy that feels safe and comforted is easier to train. Plus, you can use it as a reward for calming down after excitement.
💡 Best for: Comfort training, reducing anxiety, and reinforcing calm behavior.
7. A Durable Chew Toy – Redirect Biting and Nipping
Puppies love to bite—it’s part of teething and learning. Instead of letting them nip at your hands or furniture, give them a tough but safe chew toy like a Benebone Puppy Chew or Nylabone Teething Ring. When they start biting something they shouldn’t, redirect them to the chew toy.
💡 Best for: Stopping puppy biting, teething relief, and preventing destructive chewing.
8. Squeaky Fetch Ball – Teach “Drop It” and “Come”
Fetch isn’t just a game—it’s a training opportunity. A soft, squeaky ball (like a Chuckit! Ultra Squeaker Ball) gets your puppy excited and helps teach them to come when called and drop the toy on command. Both of these are critical skills for a well-trained dog.
💡 Best for: Teaching recall, “drop it,” and controlled excitement.
Final Thoughts
Training a puppy doesn’t have to be frustrating—if you use the right tools. The best toys make learning fun while reinforcing good behavior.
- For crate training & anxiety: KONG Puppy
- For impulse control: Tug-of-war rope toy
- For focus & mental stimulation: Puzzle toys & snuffle mat
- For reinforcing good behavior: Clicker training tool
- For redirecting biting: Durable chew toys
- For teaching recall & drop it: Squeaky fetch ball
Start early, stay consistent, and use these toys to train your puppy the right way—before they train you.
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