Maybe this is off the wall. I use some construction gloves (which fit pretty tight) and whenever my hand is grabed is not as bad. It just may be a temporary solution until you build Bruce Lee type speed he, he.
Have you tried using different balls? With some dogs I have noticed a preference to what they are biting. Different sizes or softness can make the difference between sting biting or targeting the ball. Once you get the dog consistantly biting the ball and not the string, you can switch balls around.
I can relate to this thread. My pup's just 3 mos old and I've already had a dozen close calls with that mouthful of needles! Yes, I've already put gloves on but not always, as the gloves tend to act like a switch: he knows he'll be doing drive work when I put them on! Guess I'll be switching to the Medium tugs they sell here at Leerburg as he grows older. I guess it'll be safer theoretically coz there's a lot of space for you to hold on to as your dog grips near or at the center of the Medium tug. I'm just lucky my pup's indifferent between ball n strings and tugs.
If your wanting to switch to a tug instead of a ball try holding it real close to his face (12") and with your hands about 6 inches apart. This will teach him to target. He's not likely to miss from that range. This type of targeting gives you the opportunity to teach the out also. More than likely right now he just gets a little excited and misses the tug so he gets you. I tend to see the targeting and drive building as 2 seperate issues. Like Will said you have to be fast. With the ball if he's biting the string shorten it up because he's to smart and fast and he'll do what he has to to get it, and if that means biting the string to get the ball then that's what he'll do.
steve strom Webboard User Reg: 03-17-2006
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What Deanna said holds true for us, with an Orbee Andy always wants the rope but an old Tennis ball with a rope shoved through it and he doesnt miss the ball. Also a friend has a tug toy made out of braided leather that he would go through a wall for.
Interesting. I've come across a thought now. Is a tug a better prey item than a ball on a string? I just think that if your ultimate goal in building drive is to have a great Schutzhund dog, why not go with a tug since it is close to like biting a jute sleeve or a dumbell?
Carol Boche Webboard User Reg: 10-30-2005
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I use Orbee balls for fetch work. The dogs LOVE them and since I throw like a girl , the rope makes for a way better throw for my dogs.
I use tugs for tug and target work.
I find that if my dogs go for the ball and they hit it but do not get grip, they go nuts chasing it, therefore I have jaw snapping dogs jumping for the ball and I usually get tagged or almost tagged doing this.
The tugs make it easier for me and the dogs LOVE those also.
Since I am a firefighter, I can get old or damaged fire hose for nothing. I cut them to about 16" and wash them, then fill them with stuffing and our local leather guy sews the ends shut for me. I can make 1.5" to 5" tugs if I like. VOILA, inexpensive training tools!!
My Bloodhound will actually tug a bit with these.
I do buy puppy tugs that are softer and have jute tugs also. But these tugs work well also.
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Re: Biting my hand while building Drive
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, the rope makes for a way better throw for my dogs. 
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