Whips come in many styles, simply because every pig is different. It is essential to practice with different types of whips to see how each pig reacts, just let test-driving a vehicle before you buy it. What is perfect for one pig might turn into a failure for another. It is likely that you will need a different whip for each pig that is in your show barn. When training at home before the show, be calm and patient, learning the tendencies of each animal. Initially, the pig will respond best to a stiff whip rather than a soft, high flexing whip. A higher flex whip can be used as the animal progresses and is more trained. Most hog exhibitors prefer a high flexing whip, as it allows the popper to swing under the jaw to keep the head up and alert.

During this tip from Stock Show University® article, we will quickly break down each of the whips Sullivan Supply offers and what purpose they are designed for:

• Alpha Whip – The Ultimate Show Day Whip for well broke animals. The extreme level of flex creates tremendous response, with light taps to keep the animal’s head up. This whip comes in the options of Flex, Super Flex, or Extreme Flex.
• Heads Up Whip – Show day whip for well broke animals. The tassel tip offers a softer touch mechanism for fewer markings
• Driver Whip – Show day or at-home training whip for the more difficult, hard-headed animal. The mid-fex stiffness delivers stronger pressure contact. Tip: The harder the animal is to control, the stiffer the whip should be.
• Balance Whip – The do-everything, everyday whip for at-home training of all animals and the show day whip for the slightly more difficult behaving animal.
• Carbon Fiber Whip – Show day and at-home training for lesser trained, hard-headed animals. Also, great for use by a young/smaller stature person that needs a stronger whip shaft.
• Carbon Fiber Heads Up Whip – Show day and at-home training for lesser trained, hard-headed animals. Also, great for use by a young/smaller stature person that requires a stronger whip shaft to help control the animal. Tassels prevent red marks.
• Classic Whip – At-home work on better trained, well broke animal. The high flex shaft works well to train the animal to keep their head up while driving.
• Head Trainer – Use as a training tool on the most difficult, down-headed animals. The aluminum tubing teaches the animal to raise their head.

For more tips and video tutorials, visit www.sullivansupply.com/stock-show-u/