06/10/2026
A couple of the most FAQ I receive from customers and information to assist in your selections.
*What kind of tug should I buy my dog?
No matter if you’re buying your first puppy, adopting your first dog or looking for a gift for a friend there are a few things to take into consideration when shopping for their first tug.
Now a days there are so many different tugs to choose from but before you start looking at what you like…be sure to take a few minutes and jot down what you’ve noticed that your new dog/puppy may like. Every dog has a preference. Yes they do! Ask yourself, what kind of “things” really catch my dogs attention. What lights them up? What’s their top, A+, reinforcer?
Do they like fur, rubber, fabric, soft or hard objects, faux fur, paper towel tubes or sticks? Prefers treats or soft textures. In order to understand what your dog will go for without hesitation make a list. Then look for a tug that will complement these preferences. Start out on the right foot from the get go!
*What type of tug should we start with?
Believe it or not there is a particular use for each of the different tug types. It also depends on what you’re planning to work on.
When approached with this question from a person with a young puppy or less confident tugger I suggest a long tug.
Again keeping in mind what your dog prefers, start with a tug roughly 36” long. The length of the tug varies based on how tall you are and what size your dog is. By keeping your distance and activating the tug to entice interest even the shy dog will venture to check it out. Once you have their interest…BINGO it’s game ON!
A few tug types and their purposes:
*Long tug for dragging also called a pully, chaser, or a puppy tug. Used primarily for recall games, “painting the line” and building arousal with chasing games.
*Holee roller tugs. Static reward placement. Sits off the ground for easier pick up. Can be placed on a bucket or prop for jump work & grids.
*Pocket sized tugs (ball bungee types). Hand off to reward while in flow. Fits in the palm of your hand. Easy to hide and pull out for immediate placement of reward. A surprise!!
Puppy suggestions:
First: a long tug for chase
Second: two short tugs for trading and retrieve training.
Happy Tugging!
