Every once in a while, the Flyball List has a poster inquiring about ideas for tournament placement prizes and awards. Some teams give away pretty ribbons and rosettes while others give away things such as dog food, dog toys, leashes, etc. I think it would be GREAT if we had a more permanent section (such as this forum) to list unique ideas for awards. ...or, perhaps just something that "works" and could be used again and again.

Something I've come across that is a Nylabone product that my dogs (all power chewers) have gone absolutely NUTS over is a knobby, Nylabone covered with a (mint) flavored rubberized sleeve. I forget the exact name of this toy but, they come in at least three different colors. Blue bone w/blue sleeve. Pink bone w/rose sleeve and tan bone w/green sleeve. (Three colors/three placements??)

Since it is a Nylabone product, they tend to last quite a while and provide good chewing exercise and enjoyment for the dogs. Also, they do a good job of cleaning gums and teeth because of the knobby ends. I think they are better than stuffed toys for prizes because stuffed toys only last about 5 minutes in my house before someone has "destuffed" their toy, killed the squeaker and generally left a big mess and NO MORE toy!

Anyway, its just a suggestion for Hosting teams that are looking for different and unique ideas. Obviously, I would recommend this knobby, flavored Nylabone for anyone looking for a toy that will last and their dogs will like regardless if they "won" it in a tournament or not.

sounds good.

I like the "wubba" toy, also, but they might be expensive. Generally, I vote for dog toys. Can never have enough dog toys. Besides, they're usually plush so only last about three seconds.

I'm working on some unofficial flyball awards for my store, and would appreciate any suggestions. Some of them are for accomplishments: "survived first tournament," ".000 start" and some of them ("fouling the ring") are for, well, anti-accomplishments.