Puppy Tugging

[sheena]

OK...so I am going to get my Training DVD out today , but thought I would ask DOL's their experiences. Our big BC pup loves to tug, but just recently he has started going straight for the hands. Of course as soon as I see him making aa beligne for my hand I instinctively put it out of his reach, but I think this is only making him more excited & next time he jumps higher in anticipation. I tried saying "no" to him today, but then he lost interest in tugging all together & I don't want that. The tug has a well defined place for him to grab.

[huski]

Do you have a video of you playing tug with him? That could help to see how you are handling and presenting the tug.

For me, as soon as teeth hit my hand it would be an immediate end of the game. I would give a no reward marker and walk out of the room/go back inside. I wouldn't pull it out of his reach as a deterrent for biting your hands as this will just make him more frustrated and eager for the toy (this is how we build drive for the tug!).

What kind of tug are you using?

Edited November 5, 2011 by huski

[Nekhbet]

get him to sit in front of you, put the target zone straight against his mouth and give him the command to grab it then 'YES GOOD DOG!'. Give the release command, then repeat. If the dog is close it wont go for hands. If he does just 'uh uh', hide it for a set, get him to sit and start again. Targeting can be hard for some dogs to do if they have not been taught.