IS FUN & EDUCATIONAL!
I have never seen a dog that didn't benefit from a well-coached game of tug.
Why play tug?
*Burn energy.
*Practice obedience.
*Teach a dog DROP or OUT.
*Teach a dog to control their teeth and jaws.
*Teach a dog to tug only when invited.
Behaviors that are aided by Tug.
Biting & Pulling on leash Jumping & Biting * Sit, Down & Stay (in exciting situations: guests , parks, events) * Biting or Mouthy Pup Stealing Toys & More!
These two dogs are playing tug & having a great time, but will games of tug cause aggression? Can people play tug with dogs too?
NO. Tug will NOT teach your dog to be aggressive.
YES. People CAN & SHOULD play tug with their dogs.
How To Teach Manners for Tugging
- Select a sturdy tug toy that your dog will enjoy.
- Hold the toy behind your back & give the command for Tug. I like "Take-it." or "Gentle."
- Present the toy to your dog AFTER you have given the command. Later you can present the toy first. If your dog grabs the toy, drop it (this is a game of Simon-Says for your dog. if you didn't give the command, they Lose (see notes below).
- TUG for a few seconds (less time when first learning) with your dog.
- Grab a tasty treat ( I use soft, stinky high-value dog treats for the first few lessons).
- Say, DROP or OUT (trainers choice).
- Show the dog that you have a yummy treat. Place it right under their nose AFTER you say the command (OUT/DROP).
- WAIT! Don't tug, but don't drop the toy. Keep wiggling the treat and making yummy noises (a hungry dog helps).
- As soon as your dog splits the toy out, PRAISE & Drop the treat on the ground.
- Re-hide the toy behind your back.
- Repeat this each session until the dog dogs the toy immediately.
- Begin using the re-take command as the reward. (Say, "TAKE-IT" right away if your dog spits out the toy.
SOME RULES
- If your dog's teeth touch your skin, they LOSE!
- If your dog grabs or re-takes the toy before an invitation, they LOSE.
- If your dog does not spit out the toy when asked, they LOSE.
- If your dog does not ___________ (sit, down, stay), they LOSE: you walk away and do not offer the tug command.
***IMPORTANT CONCEPT************
TUG is NOT about Possession!
- WINNING = Having A Tug-Buddy.
- LOSING = Your Game-Partner Quits.
If your dog breaks a rule or is rude, DROP THE TOY & WALK AWAY!
Do not try top gain possession of the toy, TUGGING IS A FUN-REWARD.
Just DROP & GO!!!!
GROWLING is ACCEPTABLE behavior during tug!
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Anonymous
October 3, 2008, 1:45 pm
Your advice is excellent and very dog-oriented, so here's my 2 cents:
There are a few caveats that accompany this wonderful game which is enjoyed across breed barriers. Most are just common sense, but bear stating anyway...
--If your dog is a large or powerful breed:
1- Tug should probably be considered a "PG-13" activity for all but the most impeccably trained and disciplined play teams (dog + human).
2-Use a tug toy that has a little stretch or play to it, e.g. a long(4'+)rope, specialty tug-toy, or home-made with a few wraps of inner-tube between the handles. My 40-pound APBT almost dislocated my shoulder when shaking a 2' piece of rope.
--For any dog:
1-Do not play tug while intoxicated or when it is dark out(or both!)
2-If your dog does accidentally grab your hand(um,you ARE using a dedicated tug-toy, not the tattered remains of that stuffed opossum, right?) DO NOT yank it back reflexively(incisors can be very, very sharp, rather, just "go with the flow" and the dog will most likely just spit out the accidentally-grabbed finger on the way down. I'm sure my dog is not the only one who can gently spit out the finger while keeping hold of the toy!
Happy tugging!, --Snoep's human
katannsuz82
October 4, 2008, 9:38 am
U.P
Great addition. I have a 142lb. Newfoundland and a 150lb. German Shepherd. I, too, have barely escaped arm injuries due to their strength. I will try your suggestions.
Thanks.
Anonymous
October 22, 2008, 1:05 pm
Yes, a long (4 to 5-foot) rope definitely helps, as does a foot of bicycle or motorcycle inner tube in the middle--in addition, the ropes used for rock climbing have a bit of stretch engineered into them; a local climbing club or gym will probably be happy to donate a piece of used/worn-out climbing rope for your dog--Especially if he/she is cute and/or well behaved!
vanita_austen
December 5, 2008, 4:58 am
This is great advice and tips. I always thought that growling was bad..and stopped the play. Now I understand it is acceptable :)
Will start following yours advice and tips
