How to Use Toys as Training Rewards

By Tailwisp Editorial TeamUpdated October 17, 20263 min read

Food is not the only reward. For many dogs, especially herding, retrieving and terrier types, play is just as powerful. A toy can energize training and add variety.

Why use toys

• They deliver excitement, not just satisfaction.
• They can be used for movement behaviors, such as recalls and heeling.
• They build a bond through play.
• They suit dogs who do not care about food.

Choose the toy

Pick something your dog loves, such as a ball on a rope, a tug toy or a plush. Make sure it is safe, the right size and sturdy. Keep a few toys in rotation, and save the favorite for training.

Build interest

Many dogs need help to see a toy as exciting. Move it along the floor like prey, give a brief game of chase, then let your dog win. Keep the sessions short, and end while your dog still wants more.

Teach rules for tug

• Start and stop on cue.
• Let go when asked. See how to teach drop it.
• Keep teeth off hands. If they touch, the game stops.
• Keep the toy low, and avoid pulling up or twisting.
• Let your dog win often, so play stays fun.

Using toys as rewards

Ask for a behavior, such as sit or heel, then mark and release the toy, with a quick game. Use play to reward movement behaviors like recalls. See recall training guide.

Mix rewards

Combine toys with treats and praise. Use treats for precise behaviors, and toys for energetic ones. Vary them to keep interest high. See how to use treats in dog training.

Safety

• Avoid toys that can be swallowed or splintered.
• Supervise play, and put toys away afterward.
• Be gentle with puppies and senior dogs.
• Watch for over-arousal, and calm your dog afterward.

Troubleshooting

• Your dog will not give the toy back. Trade for a treat or a second toy.
• Your dog gets too excited. Slow the game, and ask for a sit before restarting.
• Your dog loses interest. Use a new toy, or shorten sessions.
• Your dog grabs your hands. Stop the game and teach target.

Dogs with low toy drive

Build slowly. Use soft toys, scent them with food, and reward any interest. Some dogs prefer chase games over tug. See how to teach a dog to fetch.

A sample plan

• Week 1: Build interest in the toy.
• Week 2: Teach start and stop cues.
• Week 3: Use the toy as a reward for simple behaviors.
• Week 4: Add distractions.

Choosing the right play for the behavior

Match the game to the skill. A quick tug or a thrown toy is excellent for energetic behaviors such as a fast recall, a sprint to a mat or heeling with energy. A calm chew or a soft toy suits settling behaviors. Using exciting play to reward calm behaviors can backfire, so keep the reward in line with the energy you want.

Keep play sessions short, around thirty seconds to a minute at a time, then return to work. This keeps the toy valuable and your dog eager. Store toys out of reach between sessions. Any toy that is damaged should be thrown away, since small pieces are a hazard. If your dog gets too wound up, switch to treats or a calm activity.

Rotating toys to keep interest

Keep three or four toys in a box and bring out one at a time. A toy that has been out of sight for a week feels new and exciting. Reserve one special toy for training only, and put it away when the session ends.

The takeaway

Make toys exciting and rule-bound. Used well, play can be one of the strongest rewards in your toolbox.