Tugging

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Postby FAB dogs » December 30th, 2010, 6:46 pm

Fenway has finally figured out the joy of tugging. Previously he’d do some tugging with the other dogs when they all want the same toy. Today he decided to play tug with me and his leash when I went to take him outside to potty.

I’m sure there’s lots of debate on letting these guys tug or not. My personal opinion, and feel free to correct me if I’m way off base, is if tugging makes him happy then it’s fine with me. Provided he follow some rules - namely the game is over when I say it’s over.

So when I was tired of tugging with him I told him to release and tried to pry his mouth open. I forgot that pit bulls have those locking jaws <insert eye roll here> :rolleyes2: . Seriously, I guess I’m just used to dogs with pointier muzzles that are easier to pry open with my small hands because he was not giving up that leash.

He did eventually let go and I praised him for the release (sorry Erin, I didn‘t have a clicker on me). My question now is what is the best way going about teaching a release? Also, suggestions on sturdy tug toys? I really don’t want to encourage tugging on the leash regularly.
Tina
Avery - Southpawz Elf Queen, CGC- Siberian Psycho Terrier
Brogan - Southpawz Mystery Man, CGC - Ephelis Spaniel
Fenway - Southpawz 4 Yawkey Way -Bull Collie
And the crazy cats
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Postby TheRedQueen » December 30th, 2010, 8:57 pm

Here's a good list of rules for tugging:
http://agilitynerd.com/blog/flyball/tra ... llDog.html

I'm a tug fan...I play flyball, and I don't know many people that don't tug with their dogs in flyball! lol

Depending on the dog, I start with treat tugs, so they have to let go for the treat...until they have a good "out" cue, and then I fade the treats. With Xander, I traded him for a ball...because that was a higher value item...so when he outed, he got the ball.
"I don't have any idea if my dogs respect me or not, but they're greedy and I have their stuff." -- Patty Ruzzo

"Dogs don't want to control people. They want to control their own lives." --John Bradshaw
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Postby furever_pit » December 30th, 2010, 9:29 pm

Tugging is a great game to play with dogs. It's one of my favorites. One of the best parts is that you can use the tug game as a reward for other work/training once the dog understands the rules around the tug game.

Two ball fetch is a great way to teach and reinforce the out.
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