How to Find the Best Reward for Your Dog

The reward at the end of the trail can be just about anything your dog loves!

Does your dog go wild for a game with their favourite toy over a treat? If so, try using the toy as their trail reward. Make sure your trail layer (the person waiting at the end of the trail) knows how to play with your dog. You know your dog best, so let the trail layer know exactly how they like to play. It could be a fun game of tug, or just tossing the toy a few feet away. And, if your dog tends to get a little too excited and accidentally catches fingers instead of the toy, let the trail layer know that too!

Don't be afraid to do some trial and error. Switch it up and try a food reward first, then bring out the toy once your dog is done eating. Watch how your dog reacts: do they stay focused on the food, or are they all about the toy as soon as it comes out? If your dog is clearly more into the toy, that might be their ideal reward on the trail.

Keep in mind, not every dog who loves a toy as a reward in other activities (like agility or IPO) will respond the same way during Mantrailing. This activity taps into their natural hunting instincts, so a food reward might feel more satisfying. If you have to work hard to get your dog excited to play after they’ve found the trail layer, then switching to a food reward might be worth a try.

So, what’s your dog’s version of a “McDonald’s treat”? This is the food that gets them super excited! It could be canned food which you wouldn’t normally give them – something a bit more indulgent with flavours and smells they go crazy for. Just like you might treat your kids once in a while, Mantrailing is a special activity deserving of a special treat. For example, our dogs are usually on dry kibble, so wet dog food is an exciting treat for them, and they only get it during Mantrailing. This makes the game even more exciting! Some other food ideas include cat food, yogurt mixed with tuna or chicken, frozen treats, liver cake, raw food, banana, or liverwurst from a tube. Before trying anything new, make sure your dog doesn’t have any allergies to the food you plan to use. If you’re unsure, check with your vet first.

You’ll know you’ve found the right reward when your dog gets visibly excited as soon as they see the food container, and they truly savour the treat. If they’re distracted or uninterested, it may be time to try something different. Don’t be afraid to change it up if they get bored with the same reward over time.

Communication with the trail layer is essential. Be specific on how you’d like the reward – toy or food – presented. The last thing you want is for your dog to lose interest or feel nervous around the trail layer. If your dog is a bit shy, have the trail layer hold the food container a little further away, avoiding eye contact or direct interaction. This way, you can provide praise while the trail layer stays in the background, helping build your dog’s confidence. If your dog loves a big celebration, let the trail layer know to throw a fun ‘party’ with excited talking, pats, and clapping – whatever your dog enjoys most!

Your local Mantrailing Global Instructor will be able to help you find the right reward for your dog!