Choose the Right Tug Toy for Dog Training
Appropriate size for your dog
Choose a tug toy that fits your dog's size. It should be large enough for your dog to grip properly, but not so large that it becomes difficult to hold on to.
Motivation through treats or fur
If your dog is not particularly interested in playing, a tug toy where you can insert treats can help increase their interest. Alternatively, you can choose a toy made of natural materials, such as rabbit fur or sheep's wool, which is often more enticing for some dogs.
Pocket for treats
Fur Toys
Durable material
If your dog has very strong jaws and likes to tug intensely (common in breeds like Belgian Malinois, Jack Russell, and similar), you might consider a toy made of strong canvas, for example, which holds up better to tougher play. Also, consider if your dog has a tendency to eat non-food items, which can be common in Labradors, for example. In such cases, it's important to choose a toy that is large enough so the dog cannot swallow the entire toy, and that does not have small parts that easily come loose.
Ball on a rope
If your dog is only interested in balls, a ball on a rope can be an excellent choice to use this interest in training. With a ball on a rope, you can combine throwing and "tug" exercises and leverage your dog's ball motivation in a way that strengthens your training.
Long and ergonomic handle
A good tug toy should have a long handle to give you good control during play and keep your hands away from the dog's mouth. Some prefer to use a bungee handle (elastic handle) which provides stretchy resistance. Personally, I don't like these because when you let the dog "win" by releasing a toy with a bungee handle, the elastic handle can snap back and risk hitting the dog in the face.
Avoid squeaky toys
We recommend avoiding tug toys with squeakers. For some dogs, the squeak can be frightening, and for others excessively exciting. Even if the squeak works well for the dog, there is a risk that it will drive both you and those around you crazy.
Easy to carry
A practical tug toy is easy to bring to training. Make sure it fits in your training bag, vest, or a larger jacket pocket, so you can easily take it out when needed.
NOTE! The products are only examples; make sure to shop around to find what suits you best and for the best prices.