Pushing Grip vs Pulling Grip

Those that prefer a pulling grip, believe that the dog has better stopping power if they grip deep and full and then immediately put on the brakes and try to stop the man and pull him down. This is seen in IGP, a sleeve sport. The helper is actively trying to run away and the dog is taught to pull in the opposite direction to stop him from escaping. This is known as "arresting behavior".

Those who prefer a pushing grip want to see the dog seeking the man under the bite suit and biting the man, not just the equipment. They want to see the dog bring the fight to the man and actively work to gain the upper hand. Pushing dogs will often wrap the decoy with their front legs and may sometimes give a strong thrash. Pushing grips are seen most often in suit sports such as PSA or knpv, where the decoy isn’t escaping but fighting into the dog.

In short- pulling grips are taught to stop the decoy. Pushing grips are taught to fight the decoy. Neither is better than the other, they are desired for different purposes and for different sports.
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To be clear- this is a very basic, simplified explanation for those who don’t know why the sports encourage different grip behaviors. There are positive and negative potential behaviors in both grips and training these behaviors should be left to professionals. Pushing CAN become pulsing and chewy if not taught right. Pulling CAN become nervy avoidance if not taught right. We encourage you to dive deeper into the mechanics of these behaviors with an experienced training helper in each respective sport and learn more.

Savannah Langdon
​05/2022

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