Tugs

[DeeMcB]

Since I started tug with Ezra a month or so ago, he's destroyed every single thing I've used to play with him including the "Tire Biter" tug that is supposedly made from repurposed tire rubber. Nylon ropes are destroyed in record time.

I remember someone posting a link to something they use for SchH training (I think) that has a handle at each end and the bite area in the middle, but now I can't find the post.

Any ideas on durable tugs, preferably ones that keep my hands at a safe(er) distance from his teeth?

[bigdavejoker]

Have you tried something like in the following link? I'm not an expet that is for sure just really starting out myself but we have been using something similiar to these and it works great. Millie is not allowed to have it unless we are working. This keeps her from destroying it.

Syntek Tugs - Pup Tugs of all sizes, made of Syntek

[DeeMcB]

Perfect! That's exactly what I was looking for!

Do you have a diameter recommendation? Ezra is 8.5 months, 75#.

[King&Skylar]

Skylar has the kong tug:

Amazon.com: KONG Tug Dog Toy, Red/Black: Kitchen & Dining

Amazon.com: KONG Tug Dog Toy, Red/Black: Kitchen & Dining

Hasn't broke yet, and I still have all of my fingers.

[Ace952]

how does he tear up a tug?
Do you use only during training and then put up or is the dog allowed to have it anytime to chew on?

[Jax's Mom]

I use re-usable shipping bags. You just roll them up, zip tie to keep it together, snip off the excess zip tie and it has handles built in... all for $.97 (plus 2 zip ties).

[DeeMcB]

Originally Posted by Ace952

how does he tear up a tug?
Do you use only during training and then put up or is the dog allowed to have it anytime to chew on?

The nylon ropes start to fray where his teeth generally hit while we play. The "Tire Biter" has pieces of rubber about the size of a dime chunking off of it. I have *not* been putting them up after we play but I will definitely do that if I drop $50 on a tug.

[DeeMcB]

Originally Posted by Jax's Mom

I use re-usable shipping bags. You just roll them up, zip tie to keep it together, snip off the excess zip tie and it has handles built in... all for $.97 (plus 2 zip ties).

Do you mean like FedEx bags? Hmmm, interesting thought.

[Cassidy's Mom]

Yikes, those Syntek ones are expensive! I got mine here: Fullgripgear by Rufflife

My dogs aren't into firehose tugs, they're too hard. They're nice because they float, so I can use them to toss into the water and they'll swim out and retrieve, but not much good for tugging. I tried the linen ones and my dogs loved them, but Halo blew one out the second time we used it. The company was great - I sent them an email with pictures of the destroyed tugs and they sent me free replacements with the material of my choice. I went with the suede ones, which my dogs love. They've held up very nicely too, I've had them for awhile now and I'm happy with the quality. You can order them with any color handles you want. I think mine are the 10".

Our trainer said the shorter ones are actually better than the longer ones because the target area for the dog is clearer - right between your hands, and you're less likely to get accidentally bitten. Learning how to present the target correctly helps too. I hold the tug right at the edge of the suede, not at the end of the handles, and present it square and centered in front of the muzzle.

[bigdavejoker]

Sorry I don't really have a good recommendation for diameter You might just experiment a little. Also as someone else mentioned those might be kind of pricey that was just the first source I could find. I like Ray Allen but they do get pricy sometimes