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> . 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.