I use tug toys that I invented called slapsticks.  It is simply 1 inch thick rope approximately 12 inches in length.  I then use colorful duct tape and wrap the rope (I wrap with 3 strips) leaving 2 inches on each end untaped. I then fray the edges.  Dogs absolutely love them!  Plus, you can make them any length, any color.  I use the SS for all my obedience training and several slapsticks are put in the whelping box.  Makes a great tug toy for the puppies as all dogs large, small, young and old love to grab onto and tug the frayed ends.  I also use them in agility training to motivate and speed up weaves, tunnels, etc.  Plus, they are so cheap! Jan DeMello

If your dog is a vigorous tugger and you have any weakness in your arm or elbow, you're going to have a problem. I have carpal tunnel syndrome which makes my arm pretty weak. I find that there's less strain on me when I use a very short tugging item. With the longer ones, the dogs are able to really jounce my arm when they do that really violent tugging. With a shorter toy, I don't find it impacts me as much since they can't get the same leverage. Only downfall is that your hand is closer to the dog's mouth if that's a problem for your dog!

The Doggone Good Flying Tug is useful for this sort of tugging as the rope handle is easy to hold onto and the new mini Riot Stick has a smaller handle and stick. I use the latter this weekend and found it was much easier to tug with the dogs without killing myself before going in the ring. Monica Percival

Regarding the "tennis elbow" injury, more aptly called Tugging elbow, Susan Garrett shared a tidbit with us at camp that she too has injured her elbow tugging.  To avoid this, keep your elbows bent, do not allow your arm to fully extend straight while tugging.
I let the dog do the work and use frequent outs to give me a break. Have fun, Lisa Norris

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