How to Teach Your Dog to Play Tug

By MacDonald

Instructions

Things You’ll Need:

Dog tug toy, knotted rope or T-shirt

Step 1:
Some dogs find games of tug more rewarding than treats, some have to be taught to play it and some will just never be interested. To get your dog's interest, drag the tug toy teasingly along the floor or dangle it over her head while using a playful, inviting tone of voice. Use the same words each time, anything you like: "Take it, get the toy."
Step 2:
This game can teach confidence to fearful dogs in a structured way. Some dogs think it is too much for them to challenge you for the toy and you have to teach them it's OK to do so. Don't tug too hard and praise the minute she takes the toy in her mouth. Tell her "drop it," then offer it back to her. You are setting the rules and she is learning confidence.
Step 3:
The "drop it" or "leave it" command is an excellent one. If your dog picks up something dangerous off the ground, like cooked chicken bones, you definitely want her trained well enough to drop it on command. Playing tug is one way to teach and reinforce this.
Step 4:
If your dog has a high play drive and is unwilling to let go of the toy, she must learn to release it on command. Stop tugging and give the command in a low, growly voice. If this doesn't work, pry her jaws away from it and praise her the minute the toy is free of her jaws. Her reward? She gets the toy right back. That way she doesn't associate your release command with all play stopping.
Step 5:
Use the game to teach other commands, like "sit down" and "stay." Once your dog knows the release command, the tug will be her reward for complying. Have her release it, then ask her to sit before she gets the toy back. People who teach sports like agility and flyball to their dogs often use tug toys for both motivation and reward.
Step 6:
If your dog thinks it cute to run away from you with the toy, just stop playing and walk away. This is normal play behavior among dogs but you'll never be able to keep up!
Step 7:
Yell "ouch!" and stop playing if the dog makes contact with the skin or your clothing. Your dog has to learn to be careful with her teeth, even in play.

Tips & Warnings

You as handler decide when the game should start and end.
Don't be alarmed by ferocious sounding growls while tugging, this is very normal play vocalization for many dogs.
Never let a dog play tug with a small child.
If you feel your dog is too potentially aggressive to engage in this kind of play, consult a good trainer or behaviorist for guidance in how to get better control over your dog.
Don't swing your dog off her feet with a tug toy, this can be quite dangerous for them.
Don't use socks for tug toys because it could give your dog the idea that all socks are fair game.

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