Dumbbell Question - Page 1

I've started working my dog for his Schutzhund 1 title and told to get a dumbbell for him.

While looking on the net for them I see two different kinds.

Will someone tell me the difference/ preference and why?

Thanks,
Franki

I'd defer to your Training Director on this one.
He or she will have a preference and for now, it's probably best to accomodate that.
Since he/she will be instructing you in the training, it's best to have the dumbbell that fits their needs.

Also select something similar to what your club uses, and therefore similar to what your dog will be confronted with at trial.

Now, if you're talking about the different sizes/weights, those are for different levels of training/skill (SchH 1 vs SchH3).

In the beginning you want something with a little weight to it, but not too heavy for the beginning dog.

Thanks for the reply.

The training director is the one that told me to get one, She gave me two websites but no specifications.
I'll check back with her.
Looking at the shape of the ends I wondered if maybe one was easier than the other for the dog to pick up.

I like the dumbells with short, fat ends. My hand is too small to grab the ends of the longer ones and still expect to throw them accurately, especially the SchH3 dumbells.

I paint the ends of mine white so the dog can see them better.
SS

I never train the retrieve with anything I am likely to use in competition just in case it all goes pear shaped.

once the retrieve is perfected on the dumbell/article of your choice then you can transfer this easily to anything else.

bump

I have one set of each style, Schutzhund and IPO.  Have the dogs used to whatever they may see at trial. 

http://dogequipment.com/sections/b-schutzhund_equipment.html

http://www.dogsportgear.com/dumbbells.htm

http://www.elitek9.com/Tugs_Training/index2.htm


(actually I have mutliple sets.  LOL  Raffles, and that sort of thing can add to equipment collections.  )

Franki, there are specifications for Schutzhund dumbbells as far as weight goes.  The SchH 1 dumbell is .65 KG, the 2 is 1KG and the 3 is 2 KG.  As Shelley mentioned the dumbbell ends may be different some short and stubby like the Gappay and other longer.  What's important is that the dumbbell is turned from 1 piece of "hardwood" .  This gives you a solid dumbell that should last a while.  Now, there are AKC dumbbells, training dumbbells in wood and plastic and many assorted styles.  You can use a wooden dowel or even PVC pipe to start to train the retrieve, anything can work depending on your style of training(as Langhaar mentioned).  However, for a trial you need to use one of the "regulation" schutzhund dumbells.  I like the Frabo Dumbbells, just personal preference.  My hands are probably bigger than Shelley's and I have no problem throwing them.  Actually, I try to throw them far to show off my dogs speed. 

Animules posted some very good links to SchH dumbbells.  Here is another: http://www.hallmarkk9.com/dumbbells.aspx

FWIW,

Jim