Board and Train Dog Classes Asheville & Charlotte NC
  • Home
  • About Us
    • Team >
      • Careers
    • Tour the Facility >
      • Facility
    • Reviews
    • How Dogs Learn
    • Blog
    • Policies
  • Services
    • Grooming
    • Board and Train
    • Dog Training Classes
    • Service Dog Program >
      • Service Dog Application
    • Therapy Dogs
    • Golden Retrievers >
      • Guardian Program
      • Available Puppies
    • Behavior Evaluation
    • Rescue and Shelter Dogs
  • Log In
  • Contact Us

Blog

www.appalachiandogtraining.com

TUG: Will Your Dog Bite You?

5/23/2017

 
Australian Shepherd Bear pulling on tug toy
Human Rules for Playing Tug
Playing tug does not make a dog aggressive. It will raise his or her arousal level so this game is not a safe choice for dogs with aggressive tendencies such as possession aggression or dominance aggression. For all other dogs, this can be a safe and fun way to play and blow off excessive energy.

You Always ‘Win’ Winning the tug game by getting it out of your dog’s mouth is not necessary. He cannot play tug without you and that naturally puts you in control. Dropping the tug toy and walking away ends the game. It is okay if your dog still has the toy; only you can make it come alive! By stopping play, you have exercised control of the game.

You Initiate Tug Anytime your dog makes you do something, he or she is exerting control over you. This generally is not a problem for most dogs, but for some it may be. Be in control of games and play by ignoring your dog’s request to play which is usually a soggy ball or rope dropped on your lap. Instead, choose when you want to play and bring the tug to your dog and start the game.

No Teeth Teach your dog polite and safe social skills by prohibiting any tooth to skin contact. When this occurs, drop the tug immediately to end the game. I add a verbal punisher too, such as “No Sir!”.

Teach “Out” Teaching your dog to drop a toy on command helps to make playtime easier and safer. It also adds in a bit of mental exercise for your dog since they must do a little work to get the tug back or chase the ball again. Start training with a toy your dog really loves and let him take it. Say “Out” and offer a treat. He will have to out the toy to take the treat. Give him the toy back or let him take it again and repeat. Soon the word “out” will result in your dog spitting out the toy to get ready to take the treat!


Comments are closed.

    Author

    Katie Weibel, Master Dog Trainer. Providing training for companion, service and working dogs, sharing knowledge and expertise. 

    Archives

    April 2023
    January 2023
    June 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017

    Categories

    All
    Anxiety
    Fear
    PTSD
    Service Dog
    Thunder
    Travel

https://www.facebook.com/AppalachianDogTraining

Call or text to chat with a trainer today!


Address (by appointment):
9485 Boylston Hwy
​Mills river NC 28759

Phone/Text

828-708-5949

Email

info@appalachiandogtraining.com
  • Home
  • About Us
    • Team >
      • Careers
    • Tour the Facility >
      • Facility
    • Reviews
    • How Dogs Learn
    • Blog
    • Policies
  • Services
    • Grooming
    • Board and Train
    • Dog Training Classes
    • Service Dog Program >
      • Service Dog Application
    • Therapy Dogs
    • Golden Retrievers >
      • Guardian Program
      • Available Puppies
    • Behavior Evaluation
    • Rescue and Shelter Dogs
  • Log In
  • Contact Us