Our Dog’s Favorite Fetch Toys

I’m really proud of the fact that Scout will play with us using just about any object. It’s about the game we enjoy together — the fun we have as a team! — more than it’s about any specific toy. That said… she definitely has a few favorites to chase.

_{* If you purchase anything through a link in this blog, we might get a small commission through an affiliate program. The cost of the product will not change for you! Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns.}

Why we love playing chase and catch with our heeler

• Focusing on play has been the singlest best thing we’ve done for our relationship. It enables us to interact as fellow creatures — to embrace the emotions and tendencies we share as social mammals. Cooperative games like fetch are especially great for this teamwork.
• Structured play has also built our cattle dog’s focus. Practicing staying committed to the game around distractions and temptations translates into other areas of our life.
• Play is a way to hone many valuable skills (like that aforementioned focus) without the interaction feeling like a high pressure training situation. There’s less leverage involved. More fun!
• Play relieves stress. So do other biologically fulfilling activities like sniffing, foraging for food, and so on. As a generally fearful dog, Scout’s baseline level of stress seems higher than many pets I’ve known — focusing on these things sets her up for more success in our bustling human world.

Related reading and play resources to check out

• Getting My Head Around Cooperative vs Competitive Play
• Reasons We Play With Our Dog “Just to Play”
• Resources We’ve Used to Build Our Dog’s Play With Us
• Our whole Play category

Our dog’s favorite frisbees for fetch

• Hero Sonic Disc
  A standard plastic frisbee that flies really well (provided you can throw it well, which is something I do still struggle with… oops.)
• Starmark Durafoam Disc
  This is what’s featured in our logo! It doesn’t fly as far as a thinner plastic option would, but it’s long been one of our favorites.
• Kong Flyer
  A nice combo of flying far depending on how you toss it but also being really soft on Scout’s teeth.

Our dog’s favorite balls for fetch

• Chuckit! Air Fetch
  This is hands-down Scout’s favorite fetch toy of all time, ever. She loves it so much she slept with it in her bed for days after we first bought it… and she also tries to get us to tug with it on occasion.
• Waudog Football
  The irregular bouncing pattern of this toy drives Scout crazy… but in a fun way. We all love it for open areas!

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Haley & Scout | Dog Nerd Thoughts | Van Life (@paws.andreflect)

Our dog’s favorite multi-category toys for fetch

• Puller Rings
  Pullers are one of our favorite tug toys — and they’re also nice for fetch, especially when we throw them overhand so they can bounce and roll. You can use code pawsandreflect25 for 25% off at this link if you’re interested in getting your own!
• Small stuffed squeaky animals
  Scout loves these. They’re actually quite convenient for short-throw fetch in the van!

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Haley & Scout | Dog Nerd Thoughts | Van Life (@paws.andreflect)

Our dog’s favorite natural objects for fetch 😂

• Sticks
• Pinecones
  We’re careful about the size here and if they have any pokey parts… but gosh, they bring Scout such joy.