DSSC The Dude

Description Specifications FAQs Safety & Care The Dude  — The Upgraded Classic, Now Built with DURACOT™ The original Dude earned its reputation as one of the most versatile training pillows in working dog sports. The Dude takes everything trainers loved about it and builds it better — the fabric version is now made from our exclusive DURACOT™ double-layer fabric, delivering significantly greater durability and longevity through hard, high-drive training sessions. Unlike the original DURACOT™ Training Balls, The Dude is tug-approved. Its pillow shape and dual handles make it ideal for tug work, two-toy games, and engagement training — while the oversized profile and fat body are equally effective as a send out target, indirect reward, or secondary obedience tool. It also excels as a bite development toy for younger dogs, encouraging a full, wide bite due to the generous size. Our Favorite Training Uses ✓ Tug & engagement work — dual handles give the handler great control and comfort. ✓ Two-toy out — the fat pillow shape encourages the dog to open wide for a clean out. ✓ Send out / Voraus — large profile makes a clear, motivating target at distance. ✓ Dumbbell retrieves — fits easily in a vest chest pocket for seamless reward delivery. ✓ Secondary obedience & protection — versatile indirect reward across multiple disciplines. ✓ Bite development in young dogs — oversized body encourages a full, wide, correct bite. ✓ General obedience & play — a go-to reward tool for any session where you want high drive. What's New  ✓ Fabric version now built with exclusive DURACOT™ double-layer fabric for greater durability. ✓ Same proven pillow shape and dual-handle design as the original. ✓ Available in both DURACOT™ fabric and Suede versions. Dimensions & Materials Attribute Detail Dimensions 10"L x 6"W x 4"H Handles Dual handle design Fabric Version Exclusive DURACOT™ double-layer fabric Leather Version Premium leather construction Shape Pillow / flat-body design Tug Approved Yes Primary Uses Tug, send out, two-toy out, bite development, secondary obedience, dumbbell retrieves Suitable For All levels — puppies through advanced working dogs What is different about The Dude 2.0 vs the original?▼ The Dude keeps the same proven pillow shape and dual-handle design that made the original a trainer favorite. The key upgrade is the fabric version, which is now built with our exclusive DURACOT™ double-layer fabric for significantly improved durability over the original Nylcot construction. Can The Dude be used for tug?▼ Yes — unlike our DURACOT™ Training Balls and Send Out Ball, The Dude 2.0 is designed for tug work. The dual handles provide a comfortable grip and good handler control, and the DURACOT™ fabric construction is built to withstand the demands of regular tug sessions. Why is the pillow shape good for bite development in young dogs?▼ The wide, fat profile of The Dude encourages puppies and young dogs to open their mouth fully to get a proper grip, naturally developing a full, correct bite rather than a narrow or shallow one. It is a commonly recommended tool for foundation bite work in sport dog puppies. How does The Dude work as a two-toy out tool?▼ In two-toy games, the handler presents a second toy to encourage the dog to release (out) the first one. The fat pillow shape of The Dude 2.0 is ideal for this because the dog must open wide to grip it — which translates directly into a clean, full out rather than a reluctant or partial release. What is the difference between the fabric and leather versions?▼ The fabric version is built with our exclusive DURACOT™ double-layer construction for maximum durability through hard training sessions. The leather version offers a more traditional feel and natural bite surface that many sport dogs respond well to. Both share the same dimensions and dual-handle design. Will The Dude fit in a training vest?▼ Yes — at 10"L x 6"W x 4"H, The Dude 2.0 fits easily into most training vests, making it ideal for seamless reward delivery during dumbbell retrieves and obedience sequences. Safety Notes ✓ Inspect before each session for signs of wear, especially at the handles and seams. ✓ Discontinue use if the outer layer or handles become significantly compromised. ✓ Designed for interactive use only — always supervise your dog during tug and play sessions. ✓ Not intended as an unsupervised chew toy — put away after each session. Cleaning & Care ✓ Fabric version: hand wash with mild soap and warm water; air dry completely before storing. ✓ Leather version: wipe clean with a damp cloth; condition periodically with a leather conditioner. ✓ Do not machine wash or tumble dry — heat can compromise the DURACOT™ fabric layers. ✓ Store in a dry location out of direct sunlight when not in use.