Product Review: Doggone Good Rapid Rewards Pouch

Doggone Good has packed a surprising number of features into their Rapid Rewards treat bag. The main compartment has a magnetic closure that is very easy to fumble open or shut with my hands full of things. The interior liner is rigid enough that treats don't disappear into folds, and there is even a little pocket inside that closes with velcro for separating types of treats. There are little pockets on the sides, a bigger pocket in the front, and a zippered compartment in back. That's a lot of pockets. The bag also has a D-ring on the outside, a belt clip on the back, and comes with a waist belt in case your clothes aren't very belt-clip-friendly. This bag is available in seven different colors and can be personalized with your name or business logo.

Photo by Erin Koski

This is it, I've found the very best bait bag in the world. It's a bit big, but it's everything I've ever wanted and more. I didn't know I was missing an interior pocket, but now I realize it's the greatest thing ever. I can have a bag full of kibble with a little pocket of freeze dried liver treats for major jackpots. No more fishing through a bag of mixed treats for just the right goody.

I really love the way this bag holds its shape. It stays open when I need it open, and closed when I need it closed. The opening is big enough for my whole hand. Opening and shutting it requires gross motor movements, not fingers. I can drop a tennis ball or my Stibbar leash in there and it just sits conveniently on top of everything.

Admittedly, I have not yet found a use for every pocket on this thing. There are normally a few folded up poo bags in the back zippered pocket, and I always keep a clicker in the front. I could probably keep an emergency backup clicker in a side pocket, we can never have too many clickers.

Pros: Belt clip and weight distribution means it actually stays on my pockets/waistband/whatever. It has never fallen off. Enough pockets for training doodads. Stays open or shut as needed. Big opening at top. Magical interior pocket in main compartment allows for two different types of treats. Very durable. Light interior color makes it easier to see inside. My purple bag doesn't show dirt.

Cons: Obviously it's pretty big and bulky, doesn't hide nicely in a pocket and screams "I AM A DOG TRAINER!!!" to the general public. Or maybe the general public just thinks it's a weird fanny pack. Either way, it's definitely not helping me pass as normal.

Bottom Line: So convenient I just sort of wear it around all the time so I can drop stuff in as needed. Leash? Poo bags? Ball? Clicker? Treats? Supertreats? I've got all that right on hand.

Product Review: Dexas Pooch Pouch

The Dexas Pooch Pouch is a silicon treatpouch that can be clipped to a belt or waistband. It is flexible and non-absorbent. The Pooch Pouch comes in five different colors.

Photo by Erin Koski

I have used a number of different fabric bait bags, but this was the first I'd ever seen that was made from a non-absorbent material. This treat pouch is made from silicon that pops back into shape no matter how I flex it.

I love this concept, I can use all sorts of gross treats without worrying about them stinking up the pouch or contaminating it with bacteria. The Pooch Pouch is easy to clean and extremely convenient.

Unfortunately, there are some flaws in the design. The belt clip is set in the center of the pouch and not toward the top. It's also a fairly small clip with minimal tension. This means it falls off extremely easily.

Pros: Easy to clean and sterilize. Dishwasher safe. Does not absorb odors. Can be used for raw meat and other gooey, sticky treats. Easy to reach into, closes itself so nothing falls out.

Cons: Small belt clip is poorly placed, falls off very easily.

Bottom Line: If it stayed on more securely, I might never use another bait bag.

Product Review: Alcott Essentials Treat+Ball Bag

The Alcott Essentials Treat+Ball Bag is a bait bag that can be worn on a pocket or belt. It has a secure spring closure and enough space to hold a tennis ball and plenty of treats. The Alcott Essentials bait bag is only available in one color and size so far.

Photo by Erin Koski

Treat bags like this are an essential part of everyday life with a reactive dog like Brisbane. I have been through many of them over the years, and so far this is my favorite. I've been through several RC Pets treat bags, some Outward Hound bags, and I still have a big Karen Pryor bag that I use occasionally. None of these compares to this Alcott bag.

I was looking for a new treat bag when we started carrying these at work. I've been irritated with drawstring pouches for a while because they require two hands to close. Velcro closures get gunked up with hair a squishy treats. My Karen Pryor bag has a sturdy spring closure, but it is very wide and tends to flop around and fall off easily. I can thread it on my belt, but then I can't take it off or move it easily. So far the Karen Pryor bag is the only one that hasn't had the lining fray and come apart.

When I started looking for a new bag, I know I wanted a nice deep one with a spring closure, and preferably a secure enough clip to not fall off when I'm running around. I started by reading reviews on Amazon, and quickly found that the spring closures on most big box store bags are weak and break right away. Happily, the Alcott Essentials Treat+Ball Bag is far higher quality than anything I've tried before. The spring closure pops open and closed smoothly, and it is secure enough to keep treats from falling out when I toss it across the room or wrestle it from the mouth of a cheerful bull terrier. The clip sticks right where I put it and stays on through all sorts of adventures. The fabric is sturdy enough to handle the strong spring, and the whole thing is holding together beautifully.

Pros: Well-made treat bag, not going to fall apart anytime soon. Awesome for agility. Spring closure works instantly with one hand, and keeps treats from flying out in assorted circumstances. Stays on the belt or pocket where I put it.

Cons: The gray is ok, but I wish this bag came in pink or purple. Most of my agility stuff is pink, purple, or lime green.

Bottom Line: Whenever I want to use my Alcott bag I've either left it in the car if I'm at home, or at home if we've gone somewhere in the car. Obviously the solution is to buy another one. Best bait bag ever.