I am using this toy to help with more sensitive dogs during initial Dock Jumping training. Dogs that may not be very toy motivated learn to associate this toy with what really motivates them...food. They are much more willing to brave running down the ramp and going out into the water. They are unable to open the ball until they get it back to solid ground which promotes retrieval of the toy as needed in this sport. Although food is not allowed during competitions the toy has already been classically conditioned and the dog will jump into the pool just for the toy! Thank you!