Looking for the best tug toys for your dog? Whether you have a power chewer, a tug-obsessed pup, or a dog that struggles with letting go, choosing the right toy can make all the difference. In this post, I’ll be unboxing Modogo dog toys, testing different textures, and explaining how tug toys can be a great training tool.
If you prefer to watch rather than read, check out my latest YouTube video where I put these toys to the test with my own dogs and some client dogs, including a Great Dane, German Shepherd, and Dogue de Bordeaux!
📺 Watch the full video here: https://youtu.be/71gea6odQnM
Why Tug Toys Are Great for Training & Enrichment
Tug toys are more than just a fun way to play with your dog—they can also help with:
✔ Reinforcing cues like "drop" or "leave it"
✔ Building impulse control
✔ Providing mental and physical exercise
✔ Strengthening your bond through interactive play
Many people worry that tug-of-war encourages aggression, but when played correctly, it actually teaches self-control! The key is to introduce clear rules and use positive reinforcement.
Unboxing Modogo Dog Toys: What Makes Them Different?
After seeing School of K9 Science talk about Modogo toys, I decided to check them out. My dogs love tugging, but one of them struggles to let go, so I wanted to test different textures to see if that made a difference.
Here’s what I got:
🐶 Fire Hose Tug Toy – Tough, durable, and great for power chewers
🐾 Leather Tug Toy – Softer texture, easier to grip for dogs that prefer gentler surfaces
🎾 Jute Tug Toy – A different feel to test variety in play preferences
First Impressions: Right away, I noticed a change in how my dog interacted with the fire hose toy—it was tougher to grip, which meant he wasn’t holding on as intensely. When I asked for a "drop," he let go much faster than usual!
Which Tug Toy Was the Favourite?
To really test durability, I took these toys to some of my larger client dogs:
🐾 Winston (Dogue de Bordeaux) – Not interested (too much effort for him!)
🐶 Luna (German Shepherd) – Loved it! Great engagement and drive
🐕 Lemmy (Great Dane) – The biggest surprise! Usually gives up after 30 seconds but kept playing enthusiastically
It was clear that different dogs have different preferences, so choosing the right tug toy depends on your dog’s bite strength, motivation, and play style.
How to Use Tug Toys for Training
If your dog struggles with letting go or is too intense during tug, here are some training tips:
1️⃣ Use a cue like "drop" or "out" – Say the cue once and offer a treat in exchange for the toy.
2️⃣ Choose the right texture – Some dogs hold onto softer materials harder than firmer ones.
3️⃣ Make it fun, not frustrating – Keep sessions short and positive to prevent overexcitement.
4️⃣ Reward with more play! – The best reinforcement is another round of tug when they let go.
👉 Want to see these tips in action? Watch my full YouTube video here: https://youtu.be/71gea6odQnM
Where to Get the Best Dog Training & Enrichment Toys
If you’re looking for high-quality, trainer-approved dog toys, check out my recommended brands:
🦴 Modogo Dog Toys – High-quality tug toys & more!
🐶 Butternut Box – Fresh dog food, 50% off your first two boxes
🐾 Houndagrip Leads – The best leads & long lines
🎾 Tug-e-Nuff Toys – Use code RLDOGTRAINING for 10% off
🧩 K9 Connectables – Use code rldogtraining10 for 10% off
Final Thoughts: Which Tug Toy Should You Choose?
From this test, I’ve found that dogs react differently to textures and durability levels. If your dog is a strong chewer, the fire hose option might be best. If they struggle with letting go, try switching to a different texture to encourage better behaviour.
📢 Have a favourite tug toy? Drop a comment below and let me know what works for your dog!
🔔 For more training tips, subscribe to my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@rldogtraining
Hozzászólások