Puppies & Training

5 Creative Ways to Use Freezbone Chews in Dog Training

Drop it, leave it, focus, crate time and play: five ways to turn a frozen toy into a training reward.

By Updated 4 min read
5 Creative Ways to Use Freezbone Chews in Dog Training – Freezbone

Training sessions fall apart for one simple reason: your dog stops caring about the reward. Dry biscuits get boring, and a distracted dog would rather sniff the floor than listen to you.

A Freezbone fixes that. It is more than a long-lasting chew; it doubles as a training tool, a reward your dog will genuinely work for. Here are five creative ways to use Freezbone toys in dog training, from basic commands to sharper focus.

Use a Freezbone and a frozen fill as a high-value reward. Trade it for a toy to teach "drop it," use it as the temptation in "leave it," hold it up for focus drills, put it in the crate to make the crate a happy place, and toss it as the reward for "sit" or "stay" during play.

How do I teach my dog "drop it"?

"Drop it" is one of the essential commands every dog should know, and a Freezbone is perfect for practicing it.

How to do it

  • Start a game of tug or fetch with a Freezbone
  • Once it is in your dog's mouth, say "drop it"
  • Offer a small frozen treat as a trade
  • Keep a filled Freezbone ready, so the reward is always on hand

Why it works

  • The smell and taste of the treat are a powerful reason to let go
  • Every swap reinforces the command

Which flavor is your dog's favorite?

Chicken Freezbone Bone Refills Liver Freezbone Bone Refills Beef Freezbone Bone Refills

How do I teach my dog "leave it"?

"Leave it" matters for your dog's safety and self-control, and a Freezbone makes a great controlled temptation.

  1. Place a Freezbone on the ground and ask your dog to "leave it."
  2. If they resist the urge to grab it, reward them with a frozen treat from a separate Freezbone.
  3. Build the challenge slowly by moving the toy closer or making it more enticing.

This builds impulse control while keeping your dog focused on you.

How can a toy improve my dog's focus?

Dogs get distracted during training, especially in busy places. A Freezbone can pull their attention back to you.

  • How to do it: Hold a Freezbone in your hand and ask your dog to make eye contact. Once they hold their focus for a set time, reward them with a short chewing session or a small treat.
  • Why it works: The interactive Freezbone designs keep your dog engaged and reinforce the focus you are asking for.

The reward your dog wants most is the one that gets you their full attention.

Learning to switch between focus and calm is a skill in itself. Our guide to work mode and chill mode shows how to teach it.

How do I use a Freezbone for crate training?

Crate training can be a challenge, but a Freezbone turns the crate into a positive space.

How to do it

  • Fill a Freezbone with your dog's favorite Bone Refill
  • Place it inside the crate
  • Encourage your dog in to enjoy it
  • Over time, they link the crate with comfort and reward

Why it works

  • A long-lasting frozen fill keeps them happily busy
  • Calm time in the crate builds positive crate behavior
“These really work well to keep our pup busy for a while. He races to his crate and skids into it.”
Donna L., verified buyer

Our crate training plan lays out the first two weeks step by step, and the first night home routine covers night one.

How do I mix training into playtime?

Training inside a game feels less like a chore and more like fun. Ask for "sit," "stay" or "lie down" before you toss the Freezbone for a game of fetch. When your dog follows the command, the reward is getting to retrieve it and chew. This reinforces obedience while giving your dog the mental stimulation they need.

Freezbone tip

Use an empty, clean toy for tug and fetch, and save the filled one for calm rewards. Check the toy for damage after play, and pick it up once the game is over.

Which Freezbone is right for training?

Freezbone toys are more than a treat. Used well, they build communication and trust between you and your dog, whether you are working on basic commands or something more advanced. To find the right size and shape, take the Freezbone quiz for recommendations based on your dog's breed, size and preferences.

Start training smarter, not harder.

Frequently asked questions

  • Yes. A Freezbone with a frozen fill is a high-value reward. Use small frozen treats for quick swaps and a longer chewing session as a jackpot for good focus.

  • It works well for "drop it," "leave it," focus and eye contact, crate training, and "sit," "stay" or "lie down" during play.

  • Putting a filled Freezbone in the crate gives your dog a reason to go in and settle. Over time they link the crate with comfort and reward.

  • Use an empty, clean toy for play, supervise, and check it for damage afterward. Save filled toys for calm reward time and pick them up once the food is gone.

Shop this guide

Buy 2 save 15% · 3 save 20% · 4 save 25%

Written by Freezbone Team

We make freezable, refillable chew toys in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and test every fill and routine on our own dogs before we write about it.

Share this guide Pinterest Facebook

Keep reading in Puppies & Training

Video recipes

What's going in the FreezBone tonight?

Step-by-step videos for every FreezBone, from 5-minute fills to layered overnight freezes.

Watch the recipes