Dog bite tug
A bite tug is an important drive and retrieve building tool used in dog training. It is used for police, military and Schutzhund dog training.[1] Bite tugs are perfect for puppies but can be used for training adult dogs as well.[2] A bite tug is a good alternative to a solid rubber ball. The latter one is hard on dog's teeth and in situation when a puppy is accidentally hit in the head with a hard rubber ball he can lose drive. If the same dog is hit by a tug he disregards the situation and keeps chasing in drive. Bite pillows are larger tugs which are used for precision bite work training. They are safer and increase accuracy in bite work.[3]
Materials
Traditionally, bite tugs are made of leather, jute, fire hose, synthetic fibers, etc.[4] The harder the material a bite tug is made of the more efforts a dog needs to exert. Durability of a bite tug depends upon quality of materials used to make it. Natural fabrics like leather and jute are safe and non-toxic. Bite tugs made of the natural materials will not endanger a dog's health and dog's teeth in particular. Bite tugs are heavy stuffed with safe materials. Still, it is prohibited to leave a dog with a bite tug alone because a dog can tear it apart and have serious health problems or even choke with the stuffing.
Size and design
There are various dimensions of dog bite tugs. They vary in length and diameter. There are bite tugs with one, two, three handles or with no handle at all. Usually, a dog trainer chooses a bite tug and its design himself relying on his preferences. There are bite tugs with special bags in which treats can be stored.
Puppy training with a bite tug
Long bite tugs are used for puppies. The longer it is the easier for a puppy to bite it. Two-month-old puppy can be already trained with a bite tug. Bite tugs suitable for obedience training as well. It is always necessary to encourage a dog for his efforts and attention. Encouragement can be with treats or the bite tug can be given to a dog for some time as a reward.
Adult dog training
The smallest tug is suitable for the training of the kind. Long tugs will not be effective as adult dogs can easily grab them. Bite tugs with handles are easy to use. Tug should be moved very fast so that a dog can not get at it. Short quick movements make a dog move fast. Exercises of this kind help to develop drive.
See also
References
- ↑ Police dog equipment
- ↑ "Bite Training Puppies 8 Weeks and Older". Leerburg. Retrieved 7 December 2012.
- ↑ "Bite Tugs & Pillows". ActiveDogs. Retrieved 20 March 2014.
- ↑ "Materials that are used in bite tug production". ForDogTrainers. Retrieved 7 December 2012.