It's official: My two GSD's are worth more than the vehicle I take them in to the club or the park. I was just wondering how many other enthusiast out there are making thier own leads, tugs, etc. I made my own jute toy for "Erika". It looks like a miniture bite sleeve. I'm using bicycle innertubes and door springs for bungees. The only thing I don't try to cheap out on is Vets, Meds and food. I was just wondering how many other low budget trainers are out there.

Well, a lot of my specialty protection training "stuff' comes from Lowe's and Home Depot.

I'm probably using those items in ways that the manufacturer hadn't thought of. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

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I'm probably using those items in ways that the manufacturer hadn't thought of. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

So when you claim warranty on a deffective part - do you tell them "I have an aggressive bitch" to get their sympathy? <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

I use poly pro cord to make leads. It`s about $7 for 150ft of cord so even when I braid it I still save alot. It`s nice to be able to get something exactly the length I need. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

may not be the cheapest way to go but i used to rock climb (and still do) when a rope gets to old to be safe for me to climb with.

i use it as leashes tug ropes etc.

I use the rock climbing stuff, too, and use burlap sacks for tugs. But this stuff is a drop in the bucket. Even an expensive dog will quickly be outspent by all the stuff that goes along with him.

Let's see: dog, trip to Wisconsin to get dog, puppy crate, house crate, car crate, crate pads, dog beds, food bowls, training videos, fence for rear yard, kennel for rear yard, re-sodding the rear yard, car seat covers, vet bills, registration fees, club fees, more training videos, toys, toys, toys, food, food, food, leather collars, fur-saver collars, pinch collars, long lines, leather leash, short leash, flexi-leash, e-collar, harness, dog shampoo, brushes, books, and on and on and on...

LoL I'm glad I'm not in the cheap boat alone. Although I'll get worried if there are too many of us: this yacht is held together with glit and duct tape.

I have resorted to making alot of my own toys. My akita pup is a termite and I'd go through toys like they were toilet paper. I want to find away to recycle my old kids toys into dog toys and what not. Usually by the time the boy is done with them anything that could be broken off is long gone.

I shop for deals whenever I can.
In my situation though that often is things that i can buy in bulk or make in bulk.
I picked up a roll of black tubular webbing at a surplus store sometime ago and make long lines from it. I also have a bunch of rope remnants that are nice static line but in cut off lengths too short for rappeling. They make nice long lines too.
I used to make my own sleeves for the young dogs but that is time consuming, I built them along the lines of some of the older german equipment that was floating around when I first started.
Much of the purchased equipment isn't used all that much. I thought when the first ring suits came out that I'd never find a reason not to use them, and now i find that I use them some but not that much, sleeves are better developers of grip and much easier to manipulate.
There is a simple old idea though that maybe people could keep in mind.It only takes a fur saver, a muzzle, and a six foot leash to train a dog for police work/personal protection. The rest is sport stuff or convenience stuff.

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It's official: My two GSD's are worth more than the vehicle I take them in to the club or the park. I was just wondering how many other enthusiast out there are making thier own leads, tugs, etc. I made my own jute toy for "Erika". It looks like a miniture bite sleeve. I'm using bicycle innertubes and door springs for bungees. The only thing I don't try to cheap out on is Vets, Meds and food. I was just wondering how many other low budget trainers are out there.

Oh, I end up loading two dogs in the van and two in the trailer and all thedamned equipment I have for police work and schutzhund, i don't even want to think about the $$$$$$$ involved. It makes me shiver <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" />
Between dog training stuff and the newest police gadget I am sure i would be better off banking the cash <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

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fur-saver collars,

Jeff what are fur-saver collars? Where can I see one of these? Thanks Kay