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, and 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 dependent.

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.