Bite Pillow/Bite Developer/Bite Tug
A
bite tug is an important drive and retrieve building tool used in dog
training. It is used for police, military and Schutzhund dog training.
Bite tugs are perfect for puppies but can be used for training adult
dogs as well. A bite tug is a good alternative to a solid rubber ball.
The latter one is hard on dog's teeth and in situation when a puppy is
accidentally hit in the head with a hard rubber ball he can lose drive.
If the same dog is hit by a tug he disregards the situation and keeps
chasing in drive. Bite pillows are larger tugs which are used for
precision bite work training. Bite pillows are more safe and increase
accuracy in bite work.
Materials
Traditionally,
bite tugs are made of leather, jute, fire hose, synthetic fibers,
etc.The harder the material a bite tug is made of the more efforts a dog
needs to exert. Durability of a bite tug depends upon quality of
materials used to make it. Natural fabrics like leather and jute are
safe and non-toxic. Bite tugs made of the natural materials will not
endanger a dog's health and dog's teeth in particular. Bite tugs are
heavy stuffed with safe materials. Still, it is prohibited to leave a
dog with a bite tug alone because a dog can tear it apart and have
serious health problems or even choke with the stuffing.
Size and design
There
are various dimensions of dog bite tugs. They vary in length and
diameter. There are bite tugs with one, two, three handles or with no
handle at all. Usually, a dog trainer chooses a bite tug and its design
himself relying on his preferences. There are bite tugs with special
bags in which treats can be stored.
Puppy training with a bite tug
Long
bite tugs are used for puppies. The longer it is the easier for a puppy
to bite it. Two-month old puppy can be already trained with a bite tug.
Bite tugs suitable for obedience training as well. It is always
necessary to encourage a dog for his efforts and attention. Encouragement can be with treats or the bite tug can be given to a dog for some time as a reward.
Adult dog training
The
smallest tug is suitable for the training of the kind. Long tugs will
not be effective as adult dogs can easily grab them. Bite tugs with
handles are easy to use. Tug should be moved very fast so that a dog can
not get at it. Short quick movements make a dog move fast. Exercises of
this kind help to develop drive.
