October 24, 2023

I need a tug for my young German Shepherd to use during training sessions. Can your tugs be cleaned and dried if they get dirty?

Full Question:
Hi. I'm trying to choose a tug toy for my 8 month old GSD. He is a tough tugger. I want something strong, yet small enough to stick in my pants pocket to have on me during training. He has a pretty good grip. There are so many to choose from!
Cindy
Cindy Cindy's Answer:
If your dog has good tugging technique and a really good grip a lot of trainers use the tugs I've linked below. It's really a matter of personal preference from both you and the dog. I've linked all the different surfaces I use (leather, firehose, jute, linen) I find that jute and linen are easiest for a younger dog to grip, leather and firehose are more durable but maybe not as satisfying for a young dog learning the game and can negatively affect their motivation. I don't usually use them until the dogs are older, but it's really dog dependant.

I have a 13 month old GSD that I am training for protection sports and I find he actually likes a ball on a leather strap over a tug, although he's crazy for both. I find the ball easier to hide on me for training but the targeting for a ball on a strap needs to be more precise. I don't use a ball for training unless it's on a string or strap.
*although some of the tugs I linked are called puppy tugs, I use them with my adult dogs
User Response:
Thank you so much for your fast reply. I have a couple of the ones you mention in my wish list. He's a good tugger but since he is young, I notice some things he doesn't like to grip and tug as much. I appreciate your input on that . I will order a couple of different things and see what happens! Thank you again!
Cindy
Cindy Cindy's Answer:
You are most welcome, have fun playing with your dog. :)
User Response:
HI Cindy. I have a question about the linen jute two handled tug that I got for my pup. HE LOVES IT However it is really dirty and he has dropped it in his water a few times. Can they be cleaned and dried in any way? Thanks
Cindy
Cindy Cindy's Answer:
I'm sorry for the delay, I somehow missed this message.

I will sometimes use a scrub brush and some lukewarm water if my tugs get really dirty. Hang to dry.

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Expert Dog Trainer Cindy Rhodes
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