A reward toy has one job: to arrive at the right moment and mean enough to the dog that it works for it. The shape of the toy decides how you can deliver it.
Choosing a reward toy
- Ball on rope, 2.35 in or 2.75 in natural rubber: the standard obedience reward. You can throw it, drop it from under the arm, or hold the rope and play tug, so you control how the reward ends.
- Floating bite and play ball, 2.35 in or 2.75 in: for water training and retrieves where a toy that sinks is a lost toy.
- EVA foam fitness ring, 2 sizes: floats and rolls, useful for chase games and fitness work.
- Natural EVA foam flying disc: floats, for distance retrieves and open-field play.
- Durable EVA ball, 2 sizes: floats on water, a simple throw toy.
Size by the dog's mouth. A ball that is too small can slip to the back of the throat of a big dog, so for Malinois, shepherds and larger working breeds most handlers go with the bigger size. A ball that is too big makes it hard for the dog to hold a calm, full grip on the way back, which you will notice in the retrieve and the out.
Many dogs value a tug more than a ball. If your dog does, see our bite tugs for rewards you can fight with. For food rewards, a treat pouch keeps them on your belt, and KONG Extreme toys cover chewing between sessions.
