Hi,

Will, this may be another one for you.. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" />
I am considering a double handled bite bar to make a better transition to a sleeve, in my grip work. I have moved to the tug, and previously was considering a pillow, before moving to the sleeve. Will had let me know that I could use the soft puppy sleeve as a pillow. I think I can see the pros and cons of a harder two handled bite bar compared to a soft one; but I am curious which one someone in my situation would get better use from. I am leaning toward the harder one but if my dog is taking a bite on a sleeve that is being worn (not 100% there yet <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" /> ) should I even bother to go back to a hand held item to get her gripping harder objects or just move right to a harder sleeve? Likewise, if my dog will bite on a soft sleeve, when it is hand held or otherwise, do I even need a double handled bite bar? Man, sometimes it feels like getting to understand equipment can be as much of a challenge as it is to understand the training. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Ok,
If I'm doing bite building on a dog new to the work, I use a step-wise fashion with the following equipment. The dog will remain on the first piece of equipment until it's shown me a good, firm grip and the ability to counter when needed to improve a frontal bite.

OK, in order for me:

Leather Bite Rag
http://www.leerburg.com/784.htm

Two-Handled Mini Tug
http://www.leerburg.com/puppytug.htm#pocket

Medium Tug
http://www.leerburg.com/puppytug.htm#pocket

Young Dog Soft Sleeve
http://www.leerburg.com/785.htm

At this time I would consider using the Double handled Sleeve for working the grip and targeting intensely:
http://www.leerburg.com/800.htm

Time to get the young dog ( especially a dog aiming for sport work ) onto a jute sleeve:
Puppy Jute Sleeve:
http://www.leerburg.com/876.htm

And finally the big boy sleeves:
http://www.leerburg.com/807a.htm#arm


This is a pretty logical progression for bite work/ grip development. A dog headed for suit work only ( gotta keep Jeff happy, ya know <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> ) will follow a different path after the Puppy Jute Sleeve.


This is all just my opinion, but I think that it's pretty much what you'll see from professional trainers.


Hope that helps! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Yes Will, thank you, that does help. it gives me a better idea of what the steps are and a better understanding of the equipment itself, by knowing the steps. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> You had mentioned two things that i would like to re-cap on though.

You had mentioned that this is your opinion, so can I assume, as in most aspects of dog training, might these steps of equipment graduation vary slightly from dog to dog?

And, you also said that if the dog were going toward suit work, that the steps are different once you get to the jute sleeve. How does it change? (This is for my information only, not looking at suit work at this time.)

Double handled Sleeve for working the grip and targeting intensely"

Good tool but $110.00??? OUCH!!!!

Greg,
I've got probably 8k in just training equipment, but I can pull out virtually any tool needed for any dog by just walking to my van.
That's what my clients expect, and tha's what they get. The price of being a pro.
< shrug >

Don't even get me started on what my custom bite suit cost.....*grumble* <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" />

Ever try and find the fabric? I have a buddy who's wife has a degree in fashion design, and we tried to get suit material. We found one place, maybe, but you had to buy it by the ton. I have seen some of the things she has made, I definately would be curious to see what the actual cost would be on materials. I always get a tingly feeling when purchasing these things. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" />

Are there any other advantages to having a custom suit, besides the fit?

Besides fit, you can determine the level of padding sometimes. You can also get the options of "easy on/ easy off" opening for the legs ( either zippers or velcro ).