Top dog

MAT-SU — Reesa Hauge never imagined she would own a small business before she graduated high school. But when she noticed an unmet need in the world of competitive canine agility trials, she filled the niche like any seasoned entrepreneur.

Hauge, a homeschooled 17-year-old, launched Rush to Tug last October. Her product line has since expanded from the first braided fleece dog leads to include fleece-lined dog collars, fleece tug toys, outdoor dog beds made of a rip-stop nylon fabric and much more.

The benefits of fleece as a material for use in dog products has long been known to agility dog handlers, Hauge said. Chew toys are not allowed at the trials, so handlers use the leads to play tug-of-war with the dogs to get them excited. When braided, she said, fleece is more durable and better on dog teeth than the nylon of most leads.

Hauge entered her dog Rosco into his first agility trial in 2008. Rosco came to her as a foster dog through her volunteer work for Alaska Dog and Puppy Rescue. Seeing what she described as “my dream dog,” Hauge convinced her parents to adopt Rosco.

Rosco is no shy dog. He will jump up and try to kiss you when you first walk into the Hauge home near Colony High School. Sitting at the kitchen table, he will practically climb into your lap.

“He actually used to be way worse,” Hauge said. “We’ve found ways to channel his positive energy.”

Using the dog’s natural exuberance, Hauge thought she would try running Rosco through agility drills. She bought a backyard kit of ramps, hoops and hurdles at a local pet store. Without any formal training handling an agility dog, Hauge learned as much as she could through online discussion groups, magazines and television.

“I never thought I would compete. I thought that was something other people did,” she said. “But, as we practiced more, I saw he had some serious potential.”

Out of a field of hundreds, Rosco and Hauge took home first place in the novice division at their first agility trial. The duo is now entering its third season, competing around the state in the open and expert classes.

At the trials, Hauge started using the fleece leads on Rosco. She said the offerings on the market were all made of three pieces of flat strips of fleece braided together.

“Really, they were just no good,” she said.

Hauge started experimenting by braiding four rounded strips of fleece together, and Rush to Tug was born.

A computer, a sewing machine and yards and yards of every color of fleece imaginable fill the global headquarters of Rush to Tug in a small room at the back of Hauge’s house. Hauge makes every item completely by hand, and she can customize colors or monogram many items. She guarantees all items will ship out within 24 hours of the order.

Hauge said she is surprised just how successful Rush to Tug has been. Orders have come through the website — rushtotug.com — from all over the world. She has mailed leads, toys and collars to Sweden, Australia, New Zealand and all over the United States. She sets up vendor booths at all the major dog events around the state.

The money she earns first goes back into the business. But with an extremely low overhead, there is plenty left over to save toward her goal of becoming a professional dog trainer.

“This is my passion for sure,” Hauge said.