The 5 Best Training Toys for Domesticating Your Dog

Although dogs are pets, they are still animals, which means they are wild and untamed by nature. In order to train them, you must work with their primal instincts through play, feeding, or command-based response. Purchasing training toys and games for your pups is not a means of spoiling them but a way in which to assist their physical and mental maturation.

Providing your dog with a treat when they behave well or obey a command is a way to reinforce healthy habits so that the good behavior repeats. A pup’s precociousness can be encouraged through exercise and physical forms of play such as fetch. Training toys are not a crutch but an instrument to improve your pet’s behavior.

Best Training Toys to Consider

So we have you sold on training toys for your dog, but what kind should you buy? Our list of Amazon dog training toys has you covered, as they range lets you freeze peanut butter, or any dog-appropriate spread, to encourage your dog to slowly lick the frozen object, which in turn soothes their nerves.

A treat retrieval method is often done by hiding treats in a snuffle mat, but we found another effective approach: An automated treat dispenser that you control via remote or your pup controls by pawing at a button. This toy makes noise when the treats dispense and when the button is pressed, which helps with a dog’s noise sensitivity. The more they are exposed to these noises, the less scared they become. Additionally, the dog’s ability to dispense the treats by pawing at the button is a way to engage their memory response.

Overall, we feel confident these training toys will boost your doggy’s brain and body for the best.

Diggs Groov Dog Training Toy

They say the way to someone’s heart is through their stomach; well, the same goes for dogs. It may seem obvious, but dogs of all ages are motivated by a food reward system. Luckily the design of this product is made to pace your dog from gobbling up their treat too quickly, which means they are occupied for some time and do not risk the chance of overeating. You simply spread peanut butter, or your smearable food of choice, on the cupped rubber grooves and place the freezer shell over it, freezing it for your desired amount of time. Frozen food slows the rate at which your dog eats and encourages them to lick the treat, which can be calming for dogs. If you do not have time to freeze a spread, no problem, as you can present it as is, but do prepare for a bit more mess.

The design of this product makes it ideal for crate training as it can be situated between the links of a crate, making it hands-free. Crate training is particularly tricky as your puppy, or full-grown dog, may become anxious about being alone. The food-licking method is an easy way to ease your dog’s anxiety.

Pros:

• Purchase supports a small business
• It is compatible with all breeds and sizes
• Made of food-grade materials and BPA-free rubber

Cons:

• It is not an ideal solution if you are doing non-treat-focused training
• Your dog will likely litter in the process of eating a frozen or non-frozen pupsicle

LOOBANI Spring Pole Dog Training Toy

If you are looking for an option that will not risk your pup getting a gut, LOOBANI’s hands-free, interactive rope training toy is just what the vet ordered. We are often too busy or tired to play with our pup, but that does not mean other exercise methods cannot be enlisted. This rope toy is intended to be hung from a tree or a strong wooden beam so your doggo can play tug-of-war solo. Now you may be worried your lil’ rascal will quickly remove the rope toy from the bungee cord, but let us reassure you that it is made of 24-inch quality knotted cotton, 19.7-foot nylon rope, and can withstand up to 2,000 pounds of weight.

This interactive toy is beneficial for dogs of all ages and helps train them through self-motivated exercise, stimulating their minds.

Pros:

• The rope toy is made of washable cotton, so you can get that slobber smell off of it
• The bungee cord is waterproof and can withstand being left out in the rain
• Simple installation

Cons:

• If you do not use a strong enough tree branch, or your dog is too strong for their own good, then the nylon roping may fall down
• Explicitly intended for outdoor use

Pooch Buddy Training Toy for Hunting Dogs

A dog may be man’s best friend, but they are also man’s best chance at catching the hunt. Dogs are carnivores, and various breeds have various needs, like simulated hunting. Whether you plan to train your dog for a proper outing or just need to get out their zoomies, this mallard-like duck toy is the perfect option for predator-based play. The duck dummy is lifelike, floats in water, and is designed to be launched far, so you can be sure your dog will exercise off its energy.

The toy trains your dog to retrieve correctly and familiarizes it with how to bite ahold of a waterfowl game bird. Even better is that the duck toy is intended for use on land and water so your dog can learn to run and swim with each fetch. This toy is perfect for hunting training or training for retrieval and rescue methods.

Pros:

• Made with E.V.A. foam that will not harm your dog’s teeth or eye sockets
• The toy is realistic looking and even floats, so your dog will feel like it is out on the prowl
• For indoor or outdoor use

Cons:

• Not recommended to be used only as a chew toy or tug toy
• Duck scent spray is not included

PETGEEK Memory Training Toy

Yet another training via the tummy, this automatic dispenser is simple but effective. This toy strengthens your dog’s memory — and, by in large, IQ — by teaching them how to use a feeder release button. When pressed properly by the paw, the button controller will make one of two sounds and dispense your selected amount of treats. These sounds prompt your dog’s memory response as they recall that once they hear the given sound, they must press the button to release a treat. Additionally, the sounds familiarize your pup with loud noises, desensitizing them.

Another benefit of this dispenser is the remote control feature which allows you to dispense food from afar to reward and comfort your furry friend when you are not in the room. We found the remote control method useful when your dog experiences separation anxiety because a treat provides a calming, positive distraction.

Pros:

• It can be used indoors or outdoors
• Easy to clean
• The amount of treats dispensed is adjustable

Cons:

• Requires four C-Alkaline batteries for the dispenser and three AAA batteries for the remote, which are not included
• A more expensive product

Nero Ball Ultra Dog Training Toy

Something as simple as extreme fetch can motivate your dog to exercise and respond to your commands. This specific product is utilized by the police K-9 divisions and even the military for training purposes. Unlike a regular rubber ball, the Nero Ball has a looped rope attached to it, so you can chuck it as far as your doggo’s heart desires. Playing fetch with your dog encourages them to exercise while strengthening your parent-to-pet bond as they engage in a command and response system. In order for this approach to be effective, you must not enlist this ball as a chew toy but as a game of retrieve and reward. This training toy is ideal for those who wish to use a non-food method of instruction.

Pros:

• A product endorsed by professional trainers like the K-9 division and military
• Perfect practice for your pitching arm
• Does not require any treats for training

Cons:

• Your pup may never stop begging you to play fetch
• This product is not ideal for extreme chewers

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to train my dog outside exclusively?

No, you do not have to only train your dog outside, but we do encourage you to have an even balance between training them inside and outside.

Inside training teaches indoor obedience, such as crate training, doggy table manners, and the like. In contrast, outside training is a physical activity-based form of teachings like fetch, tug-of-war, or hunting. Both methods have benefits, so we encourage you to engage with each to have a more well-rounded trained pup.

Remember that, like humans, dogs require fresh air, sunshine, and exercise, which means outdoor training can be very beneficial to enriching your lives together.

Will these training toys guarantee obedience?

Unfortunately, nothing can truly guarantee obedience as it all comes down to the breed’s behavior and the owner’s training ability. It is hard enough to teach someone you can verbally communicate with; therefore, working with a pup will present some challenges. You cannot necessarily mime to your dog, but you can use training toys to create an unspoken language with your canine companion. These training toys are tools to improve pet behavior.

Is a food or non-food reward system a superior method of training your dog?

The food versus non-food reward method is a matter of personal preference. Some feel that motivating dogs with food is not a healthy mental or physical habit. However, animals are motivated by food as they are survival-focused: Your pet is always looking to eat because they do not have the same sense of food security as a human. In conclusion, it is a personal choice on the part of the pet parent and what they think their dog will respond best to.

We may advise a non-food approach if your dog is food aggressive and tends to growl or bite when food is involved.

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