Most dogs love to play tug. I especially like this game because it makes me a critical part of the game. Whenever I am playing with my dogs I try to be consistent with the rules and incorporate some basic obedience behaviour as part of this fun time. Play can be a strong reinforcement for training.
Teaching your dog to tug is a great relationship building game. It can help your dog learn impulse control as it goes from ‘crazy dog mode’ to ‘thinking dog mode’. Played correctly, tug does not cause aggression in dogs. In fact, your dog will learn self-control as well as to listen to you when he is getting excited. If your dog does mouth or bite you during the play, the game must end.
NOTE : However, if you are worried about being bitten, then do not play tug with him. Also, if you or your dog has a medical condition that could be worsened by vigorous play, then do not play this game.
Your dog should control how much tugging is going on and what intensity. Your job is to hold the tug toy and provide some light resistance. Avoid quick, jerky movements.
Start by building good associations with the Collar Grab. We will use this process to help teach the “Drop It” cue when playing tug.
Encourage good decision making by using the excitement of the toy (and controlling it) to help your dog make better decisions. This is used to teach the “Leave It” cue (or not yours). Impulse Control with Toys
Give your dog permission to grab the tug toy by adding the cue “Get it”.
In the above video I’m teaching some manners using a tug toy. Kira loves to grab at or tug anything she can. I’m using that strong desire to teach her to wait until I give her the cue to grab it and to release it.
I consistently use a Get it cue whenever I want her to chase her toys or grab something. Leave it means it is NOT yours! Giving up a tug toy (or anything your dog desires) must be seen as a good or positive thing to do. If this Leave It cue is said in a demanding or forceful way, your dog may become fearful or aggressive!
When she is happily tugging the toy, I present a nice treat next to her face and say Leave it (Drop It could also be your cue). Initially, she won’t understand what the words mean, but she will most likely give up the toy for the food. If you feel your dog may get grabby with the treat, simply drop the food as she releases the toy. After several repetitions, she is starting to understand that the words and the presentation of the food means to release the toy. It is at this point that I say Leave It during the game of tug with the expectation she will release the toy. The reward for her releasing the toy can either be the food, praise or more tug!
Rules to follow for playing tug and teaching impulse control cues:
- The tug toy is yours.
- The tug toy is never left out but your dog can have other toys available to him.
- You start the game.
- You end the game.
- If he happens to put teeth on you, say “oops, game over” and put the toy away for several minutes.
- End the game before your dog gets tired of it, that way he will be keen to continue the game next time.
- Put the tug toy away when the game is over.
- Children should not play tug with your dog, unless they are supervised and you are confident that they know the rules!
revised Sept 2024