Training works best when your dog genuinely wants to take part. This guide covers using toys as training motivators, understanding individual dog motivation, matching toys to dogs, using toys as training rewards, the importance of marker words, and how this connects to enrichment. Every dog is motivated differently - some respond to food, others to toys, games, praise or movement. Understanding what motivates each individual dog makes training clearer, kinder and more effective. Matching the toy to the dog is crucial: dogs with chase drive respond best to moving toys, those who like to grip prefer tug toys, and food-dispensing toys suit dogs needing slower outlets. Toys used as training rewards keep dogs engaged and help communicate exactly what behaviour was correct. Marker words like a clicker bridge the timing gap between behaviour and reward. Play-based training supports physical movement, problem-solving, bonding, confidence, impulse control and focus, helping dogs think, move and work with their handler positively.