Why Reward Gear Matters:

Tug Toys, Bite Pillows, and the Power of Play

You can have the best food rewards in the world—but for many working dogs, nothing compares to a tug. For high-prey-drive dogs, reward-based training isn’t about bribery—it’s about channeling instinct. And the gear you use makes a big difference.

What Is Reward-Based Gear?
Reward gear is any object used to positively reinforce behavior through play, chase, or bite engagement. Common tools include:

• Tug Toys (soft or firm)

• Bite Pillows (for targeting and building confidence)

• Ball-on-rope (for chase and recall drills)

• Sleeves and bite wedges (for protection training and reward-based bite play)

Why Quality Gear Matters:

• Safety: Poor stitching or slippery materials = risk of injury.

• Engagement: If the toy isn’t fun, the dog won’t care.

• Precision: Size and firmness affect bite targeting and grip confidence.

• Progression: Dogs graduate from soft tugs to firm bite pillows—gear should match their stage.

Pairing Food + Gear:
Use treats for luring and shaping. Use gear for capping, building drive, or as the end-game reward.

Pro Tip: Store tug gear and treats separately. The toy is the prize. Don’t let it become background noise.

RAW DOG K9 will soon offer handcrafted reward gear—built tough, tested by real handlers, and made to outlast the average toy box.