TUG OF WAR AS A TRAINING TOOL

By Jenn Michaelis

TUG IS A PHENOMENAL GAME WITH LOADS OF APPLICATIONS WHEN DONE PROPERLY! IT TEACHES DOGS TO CONTROL THEIR MOUTHING, BITING AND JUMPING WHEN THEY’RE EXCITED. Tug games combined with obedience teaches emotional regulation. It builds confidence, reduces frustration and teaches give. Most importantly, it’s one of the best training rewards to substitute when you’re ready to phase out food rewards.

THE RULES:

• Dog must voluntarily sit and wait for the cue “Get it!” to start the game.

• Human moving = playtime!

• Human frozen = time to stop & let go of the tug.

• Keep toy down-low to discourage jumping.

• ANY teeth on human skin or clothing = remove toy behind your back for 10 seconds

BALANCING THE EXCITEMENT:

Imagine your puppy is an engine sitting at idle. Playing tug revs her engine and if you overheat the engine she won’t be able to think clearly. This is when jumping, biting, barking, or refusing to relinquish the toy will happen. Start by revving the engine only a tiny bit to make sure she can return to idle, then work toward longer duration and higher intensity play, which revs the engine considerably.

• Play in bursts of 10-30 seconds.

• Time to stop? Freeze all movement and sprinkle 3-5 treats on the ground.

• Bring toy behind your back while she eats the treats.

• Start over with a voluntary sit, then present the toy with your cue.

• If she can’t sit or drop the toy: she’s too excited. Take an obedience break then play in shorter bursts next time.

IMPORTANT TIPS:

• Freeze your movement completely when it’s time to drop the toy. Continuing to move even a little bit conveys it’s still playtime.

• Carry a tug toy to prevent leash biting on walks. Be smart: pull it out BEFORE the biting starts!

Jenn Michaelis, BA, CPDT-KA, RFE-CI (she/her) Owner, Trainer, Behavior Specialist SassyT Canine Academy dba Wonder Dogs Helping People & Dogs Live More Harmoniously www.wonderdogstraining.com

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