Need suggestions for a training toy

[BG and Gavin]

I have been working with Gavin in the park lately on long sit/down stays and recall off leash.  Gavin is not treat motivated, but is play motivated.  I have been using a stick and playing a bit of tug with him as a reward after executing his commands.  I would like a special high value toy to use only for training.  I think it should be a tug type toy so that I can keep control of it during the reward phase.  Otherwise I risk an off leash game of keep-away at the park (not good).  It should also be portable enough that I can stick in the back of my pants out of sight during a walk.  Does anyone have any suggestions for me?

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

For K-9 training, they often use a tennis ball on a rope. That might work well for Gavin.

[BG and Gavin]

Thanks for your suggestion Karen.  Knowing how tennis ball obsessed Gavin is, this is a great idea.  I am going to start looking around for one today.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

They have them at most pet supply stores. Good luck!

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

This is a good ball/tug combo too. It is soft and has a squeaker which adds a little extra excitement! LOL! At least it does for Tara! And the handles give you good control over it.

 

http://www.bestfriendsgeneralstore.com/dog_toy_products_p/JPJT06/Ex...

[BG and Gavin]

Thanks for the great suggestion Ricki!  Yes squeakers are another big item in Gavin's world.  I will see if I can find one of these.

[BG and Gavin]

Ricki - I ended up finding this at my local pet supply store so snapped it up.  Too hot and tired from our long walk to try it out yet but it looks good!

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

That's great!  I hope that Gavin thinks it is "worthy"!  LOL!  Oh and off subject I love your profile picture of Gavin in his hat!!

[Julie and Maggie]

I don't have this particular toy, but it looks like a tug toy. I have other ones better for puppies and I love them.

 

http://www.westpawdesign.com/catalog/dogs/dog-toys/eco-friendly-dog...

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Most of the time I see the tug toy used but we use a chuck it.  Spud is the toy motivated dog in our house.  Great way to train this type of dog.  It works great.  Another reason for chuck it--S L I M E.  You don't have to touch that wet ball, the wet feel and smell of the rope.  This gets old for me after a few minutes with a tennis ball type toy.   Saves my shoulders and elbow as well.

Depends on what Gavin thinks is motivation  :)

How is he felling by the way?  Sounds like all is good

[BG and Gavin]

He is doing great (fingers crossed) thanks for asking.  I will let everyone know how my new training regime goes :)