Great information as usual! A tip for handlers with strong Tuggers - lock your elbows to your body or even your knee, to prevent stress on your own neck and shoulders. And with puppies, get down to their level to prevent that neck being bent up or back (the puppy's neck, that is!)
Thank you Suzan! I've always been leery about playing tug with my girl because she's very high strung & I dint want it to turn into something more aggressive! Thank you for the tips! We will now play tug! She will be very pleased with the change! 😊
Thanks for that I had stopped tugging with my dog because he was always trying to catch my hands or close to my hands and a few time I fell his teeth 🦷 on a finger of my wrist, so I had simply just stopped. The thing I was doing without knowing, is the few times that incident happened I had stopped the game and put the toy away. Thank you for that. Another well explain podcast
I can back up your view on the hard mouthed gundog myth. My Labrador plays tug with me all the time but she can still carry a raw egg without splitting it. ❤️
Liked as soon as I heard what you said at 5:06! Even the man that wrote and came out with the dominance theory stated that he was wrong, and his study was flawed. Love your videos!
That's super exciting, Liz! Thank you for enjoying the podcasts and videos. Puppies are so fun. Here's the video all abut puppy's first day for you - ua-cam.com/video/rUIX5qW85tU/v-deo.html
Hi Liz, I did a whole lot of UA-cam video searching and endeavoring to follow the advice when Phoenix came into my life full time. 3+years worth. You should see my collection!!! Susan Garrett's is Head and Shoulders above EVERYTHING. So glad you found your way here 🎉 Your puppy will be blessed and you will save yourself the pitfalls the following less qualified trainers.
@@AnnainAwe yup I watched a few that just didn’t fit me but I right away felt like Susan gets it. I’m looking forward to seeing how my first dog will shape me😊
Hello there, in this episode you talk about stopping the game of tug when the dogs mouth touches you or your clothing and I was wondering in what way do you stop? i.e. Do you take the toy away? Do you give the dog their "out" cue? Do you just let the toy go and go quiet? Also, how long do you cease play for? Thank you for all your wonderful information and knowledge!
I also struggle with this. His "Drop It" command is getting much much better, but when he gets super excited to the point his mouth touches skin is exactly when it fails. Holding the tug close doesn't work as he is too persistent and will put all his weight into the tug which causes my whole body to move. The only thing I have found to work is stepping on the toy and covering as much of it as possible. He still tries to rip it out from under my foot in these cases though.
Our hunting GSPs refused to tug. As soon as there was pressure they'd release the toy so we played fetch with them instead. I saw no reason to bother training them to tug when it was in such opposition to their natural instincts. My miniature poodle however loved to tug and still had a very soft mouth. 🙂 He learned tug first so perhaps that's why.🤔
haha we have a hard biting GSDxDutchie cross that we play tug with daily. He has only ever bit me harder by accident or because he missed the tug.... But when he intentionally bites it is always a super soft mouth bite... Also helps owners teach an out and drop it
Awesome video as usual. Was tugging with my younger Dobe (2.5 yrs old now) to try to build up his confidence but for whatever reason he flat out refuses now. I do have to admit I believe I instilled rules too quickly because was unsure what to do when the growling escalates - really kind of scary on a 100lb dog. So what, other than the release the object cue, could I have done or used to make him still want to still play tug with Mom? One of our students has a 62lb 4 month old Great Dane that does it with his leash too. Have done the redirect, suggested having 2 leashes - one that's his and the one you're walking him on, big stuffed fluffy toy to occupy his mouth, maybe a chain leash, and/or using the tug on the leash as a reward, but that can be a bit tricky at times.
I had the same issue. I locked myself and Basil, who wouldn’t tug with me, alone in the bedroom, brought out a new long toy I new she’d like and let her “get it” on command after a wait. Then I pulled gently away from her and she did pretty good with tug and even did a head shake. I think high value toy, length of toy (so she could have sone space from me so it didn’t worry her that it might be a direct challenge), making her wait to build excitement (just a few seconds), removing all other distractions, and my upbeat energy level were all key. I hope this helps.
Thanks for the podcast...REALLY enjoyed it. ..is the there a podcast on how to stop a dog chopping on the dumb bell? I have a 2y old blue heeler that has an AMAXING chomp!! SOOO the dumbbell is still on the shelf....too scared to use it and make a mistake that I could NEVER fix...granny owned by a cattle DOG
I really appreciate your explanation of how to tug safely. We just got a rescue Husky mix who's about 11 weeks old now. He was found at 6 weeks old in a closed box. The foster home he was in before us admittedly does not train their dogs (they have two older dogs). I know they played tug with him a lot, but I'm sure they did not stop him from biting them or their clothes. Recently, within the last few days, he gets super excited, will jump up and try to nip. He bites my clothes. Aside from doing recall games, we do some tugging but I'm wondering if we should refrain from tugging until he stops teething? When he jumps and nips we don't scold but leave him outside on his own for maybe 3 mins. I will try turning away from him and being statue when he bites my clothes but any other tips would be great. Thank you!
HI @sarahruthfinkel8842, congratulations on your new puppy! Susan has a great video about nipping and other over-excited behaviors that will be a great resource for you here --> ua-cam.com/video/06CyHsE-bEY/v-deo.html (Sarah -DogsThat)
That was great! There is a part of the game that you do not mention: if we are playing to simulate a predatory sequence, I think that for the complete sequence, there has to be a moment when the dog wins and may run away with the prey. Sure this can't be done anywhere, but in a safe area, the experience is much more complete! That's why we need a second identical toy, in case the dog doesn't come back to ask and play again. Is there any reason why you do not mention this?
Thanks very much. My Japanese Spitz is only intersted to tug for a short while and then easily gets bored despite me running around trying to be upbeat. She tugs and shakes the object. She also doesn't fetch much, and if only dangly toys not balls. Somehow not much fun and quite tiring to have to keep encouraging her to play. I am not sure whether she is just a peaceful dog or a bit depressed. She is my first dog so can't compare.
Hi Ashapuri, thank you for asking this. Susan did a blog post about creating motivating toys and drive for play, here's the link for you: susangarrettdogagility.com/2018/09/how-to-create-a-motivating-toy/ She also talks about why cheerleading your dog may not be the best idea in this great podcast episode: ua-cam.com/video/h6X6wzQyngk/v-deo.html Have fun!
Oops.. thanks for last tip.. I'm totally quilty of that.. up and down vs side to side.. thanks do much for that.. Can u perhaps explain how you end tugging session.. Out should be out.. But you don't want to end your game with out.. So.. ??????
Hi Tim, it starts with creating a motivating toy, here's a blog post for you with the steps - susangarrettdogagility.com/2018/09/how-to-create-a-motivating-toy/
We do have a dog who will bring us a toy and want to start a play. A tug or a ball to toss. What I’ve noticed is that he does this because he needs stimulation, attention, exercise. Because he does this on days when he got a short walk or we are tired after work. Now that I’m consistent with his walks and adding training breaks through the day he’s like nah, I’m tired, go watch tv and let me rest. lol.
i have older dogs18 months,3 years and 8 years, who do not tug. I would like to know how to start to teach especially the younger two to tug. The 3 year old will play fetch but not tug. I have tried ropes, balls on ropes and toys and so far nothing has worked. I would appreciate any advice.I belong to both recallers and home school the dog. Thanks
Tug is one of her fav toys - and as we were watching this video - sure enough she was jumping and mouthing my hands... Game over! Toys withdrawn. She is whining. Had to close the door so I can finish this video lesson. Thanks for the sage advice Susan!
I have a fear based reactive dog. I'm having trouble getting him to tug in different environments. I started in the family room then moved to the kitchen then to the basement. The backyard is still to distracting. Other dogs and noises that he is afraid of. Sometimes successful at the agility training center. How do I continue to build his confidence when there are strong distractions? He is an 8 year old Sheltie.
My Papillon likes tug but we have several issues. No matter how long the tug toy, he still wants to grab it right near my hand and I can't figure out how to make him want to grab it farther away since he loses interest if he does. Also, he loses interest quickly and seems to like chasing it more than tugging. Is he just not a tug toy dog?
I have 2 Golden, one is not too fond of tugging but when he does he weight shift is fantastic, my pup loves to tug but I have trouble to get this weight shift. He shakes his head very hard, I do not like that very much so I have decided now to stop playing when he does the shaking :) is there anything I could do to help my pup get a better weight shift? Thanks for another great podcast!
Hi Pascale, in AN, pop into the "See-Saw Emergency to See-Saw Success" workshop. There's lots of great insights on weight shift back in Chapter 1 with Thomas and Must.
Hi Susan, if I understand you suggest not to play with Leather or Rabbit fur, so the dog does not recognize the tug I use for playing is different from a real rabbit?! I think they do not smell in the same way because the fur or the leather is treated. I just want to understand what you mean. I used a real rabbit tug in the past because it was the only thing I could use to improve tugging with her. Then i changed into a pile tug. Of course the dog is reactive with rabbits or other animals because she is a mixed breton. Do you think I reinforced her hunting instict too? Thank you
Hi Arianna, Susan was pointing out that tugging with fur or leather toys causing them to want to chase squirrels or rabbits was not true. That thinking that way was essentially "flawed science" and a myth. So it's perfectly acceptable to use a fur tug toy.
@@DogsThat thank you !! I have just misunderstanding that purasse. I am italian, usually i understand vero well because the english of Susan is super clear. Thank you for explaining me :)
Question about tug troubleshooting: What if you have a dog that is not super interested in interacting with you and the toy? Mine mostly wants to keep it to himself, and rip it up. Otherwise, he will play keep away. He has no interest in bringing the toy back to interact with me.
Have you tried making that toy a tugging only toy? Meaning when that really fun toy comes out, it only comes out if you both play together, it doesn't sit around the house to be played with whenever your dog wants to. If they stop tugging, don't let them have it to play with on their own, just stop the game so they learn that they only get to play with that toy when they play with you! Try switching up tug toys too, for example, my pup's favorite tug toy is a fuzzy fake fur piece from a coat haha I used to try rubber and rope toys, but this is by far the most interesting to him
Hugo'stheBoss, you always have great notes and questions! Training a retrieve is going to turn that keep away around. There's tips for this for puppies in a video blog: susangarrettdogagility.com/2018/11/puppy-retrieve/ If you are in Home School the Dog there's all the steps to an amazing fetch in the bonus "Bring Me!" program. Playing the "motivating toy" game will also help creating that attention to you and is a fun. There's a blog post "How to Create a Motivating Toy" to help. susangarrettdogagility.com/2018/09/how-to-create-a-motivating-toy/
@@Emma-fe6yt Interesting points! I have tried to use only a specific toy, but he often will loose interest fast when he can't keep it for himself and rip it. But, I will take your advice and stop playing when he loses interest in playing with me.
@@DogsThat Hi Susan, I love your podcasts and eagerly await each one. I’m also a member of Recallers and Crate Games. Thank you for sharing your expertise! I wonder if you could help me with something. I am very confused about whether routine is good or bad for a dog. I like routine myself but there seems to be conflict between “experts” as to whether it’s good or bad for dogs. I have heard that it’s good to “ditch the routine” because it can make the dog predict things to the point of stress. I can see that first hand when my dogs predict that it’s walk time or dinner time. I get frustration barking or whining, and I’m sure that must be stressful. On the other hand I have been told it’s unfair to a dog to not have routine and the lack of routine is stressful! Can you give me your take on this please? Thank you in advance Best regards Phyll Pascoe
I have the dog that brings a toy to me when I’m watching tv and yes, I absent- mindedly tug with her and she loves it! I thought you must have been watching me! LOL when I try to initiate tug myself, she isn’t interested and won’t play / what do you suggest?
I had a collie springer cross and she loved to tug. One day I found her carrying a baby rabbit really gently in her mouth. She let me take the little rabbit and I let it go. It hopped away happily back to where it came from. That dog could tug really hard.
Thank you for this awesome video! Susan brilliantly discusses all important aspects of tugging. I have one follow up question: Susan mentions tugging should be started and finished by the handler, not when the dog wants. My question is: What should I do if my dog quits tugging even though I'd like to continue? It happens sometimes, especially inside the house with toys that I don't really use in training outside. (Perhaps the inside toys don't have so much value for her?) I keep the sessions short and vary the game.
I did exactly what you said, after he clipped my thumb by accident. Stopped the game, and he stopped also right away, and dropped to toy for me throw for him. He's learning fast, he's high energy, german sheppard 2.5 years old.
Bessie does not want to be a tugger. We've been working on this issue for quite a while now. Some days I can get her arousal up enough to get her tugging, but she doesn't seem to enjoy it. I'm wondering if it hurts her teeth somehow. We have a vet visit this week, so I will have her checked out.
If I let my dog win the toy, she won't come back with it to me. Just pisses off with it. I can try running away backwards from her, trying to lure and entice her to me, have another toy... No matter what. She won't come back with the toy. If I put her on the long line and drag her back to me and take it, she becomes possessive because I want to take it from her. She has done resource guarding in the past, but I managed to get to a point where she even drops a bully stick when I approach thanks to counter conditioning. I don't know how it is with toys though. And if I never let her win the tug, she loses interest in tugging. Any tips?
I would love to know how to fix it if you or your dogs previous owner have a loud tugging on sleeves. I would also like to know how best to fix it when your dog gets over aroused during training and starts wanting to bite and tug rather than continuing to train. I know that balance breaks are important here and that these should be done before the dog gets to that point, but if you go over on your dog gets too excited and redirect some to the sleeve instead of engaging appropriately, I feel like taking a tug out at that point is reinforcing a behaviour you don’t want.
Hi Stephanie, ItsYerChoice with toys is going to help for sure. There are also strategies in the podcast episode "4 Puppy and Dog Training Games for Acquired Bite Inhibition" - ua-cam.com/video/HmKUv7pQYQU/v-deo.html You might want to look at what you do in response, so there are tips in a blog post: susangarrettdogagility.com/2020/02/taking-back-the-keys-to-the-cookie-jar/
@@DogsThat I would love to see videos of ItsYerChoice with toys. I’ve seen it with food so far but I’ll be honest, I’m struggling to generalise the concept.
Hi Stephanie, reviewing the last page of the Playbook has tips, and if you need help, drop a note in the IYC Game in the HSTD website for your Coaches.
Tugging has been a real struggle for me. My dogs enjoy tugging with each other and with me as well some. One of my dogs enjoys holding the tug while the other tugger does all the work, I've have shaped him to do more of the tugging when he plays with me. Is that right? Another of my dogs keeps having undesirable events. She tugs wildly. Once she scarred herself because she pulled a long tug out of my hand and it hit the heater making a loud noise, we are still working on being okay with things happening around the heater again. Most recently she hit my hand with her eye. We had to take a brake but she got back into tugging in another room after doing some hand touches and kisses (easy fun tricks she gets excited about). Should I train this dog to tug more gently? Along with the mishaps her wild tugging has caused, I worry she might hurt her own neck. She was prone to more wild tugging, but I'm sure my shaping of more active tugging with my other dog probably migrated over to enforcing that with the already active tugger. I guess if I had to summarize my question it would be... how much should we be shaping our dogs tug style?
Hi Lindsay, those are really good observations. Shaping tugging style is a nuance to look at for sure, as for dog sports tugging is a great way to start and encourage weight shift back. Share a little video with us in WN.
What exactly does the End of Game look like? Do I bring the toy close to my body? Do I get up and move away? I've seen before that I drop the toy and move away, so I wondered how Susan does it.
My pit Loved playing tug It didn't change the fact that he would still soft mouth me when he wanted to play the only person he ever bit seriously was breaking into my house I say this because the one I've always heard Was it will make your dog aggressive it makes me aggressive when people say that crap
I cant get my dog to tug as a training reward. She is definitely not prey motivated. I noticed in agility, tugs are used as reward rather than treats, but this dog is not interested. We did play tug at home just as play. She would even tug o war with the other dog (who flatly refuses to tug with a human). Treats are not allowed in the ring so having a toy motivator would be swell. How can I build value for that?
Hi Kat, the tips in the video on creating confidence starting inside can apply to tugging, here's where you can watch: ua-cam.com/video/NzqJgT4dYB0/v-deo.html
Ok. I needed this. We’ve started letting our 17 mo old poodle mix has started deciding when we’ll play. We need a plan to play on a schedule or at least structure. How long or frequently should we play. She loves tug.
Susan says to work/play with your dog several times every day, but briefly, maybe only a few minutes. Watch for signs that your mechanics or the dog's attention wanes and end before the rules go out the window.
@SheilaMacKenzie-h6g Here is a great resources from Susan that you may find helpful --> ua-cam.com/video/7I8zLWN4rQk/v-deo.html (Julie - DogsThat Team)
I have a nearly 3 year old shepherd that's not a fan of tugging except rubber frisbees. While playywith frisbee I will go to grab frisbee and he wants to tug. Sometimes he'll let me have it but sometimes I have to grab his collar before he gives it to me. I try not to let the tug happen because we play with light frisbees that fly far and it's easy to rip them. I feel like it's the soft rubber that he likes to pull with. And funny enough while I'm writing this an idea popped in my head about a squeaker bone (he LOVES to make it sqeak) that the squeakers have been chewed out of have a home in the ends that a rope could go through. Might try that but still would be grateful for recommendations. Thank you!
Thank goodness it’s ok to tug. I was scared for a minute that I’ll have to give up this activity that both my dog and I enjoy. He is careful not to get my hand. If he accidentally touches my hand, he doesn’t clench, he immediately moves his mouth away. I don’t know how he learned this, maybe because I made some noises when he touched me . He loves to bring a rope, or a rubber frisbee or some other toy, he touches my leg, he teases me by going back a few steps, comes back to me, eventually he lets me grab the toy, we tug, then I say “drop it,” he lets it go (not as fast as I’d like, unless there is food involved) and runs in the direction where he thinks I’ll throw it for him to catch.
I think playing Itsyerchoice is the thing to do. Pull the toy towards you, cover it up with your hands as much as possible, and stop tugging. The dog should back off and offer a sit or down. I use the command "leave it," but Susan says you shouldn't have to. Itsyerchoice is linked above the comments.
Amazing video as always! I have so many questions: In which period do puppies tug? And how to get a dog to tug that is not so interested in playing because out of missing experience I inhibited it trying to lower his hunting instinct 🤦🏻♀️😥 Oh and do you have literature about the dominance debunk? I have friends that are pretty stubborn in this. And don't worry if you don't have time for so many questions but I thought honest engagement with your content will help grow your channel 😉👍👋 have a great weekend!
Hi Ionica, we love your comments and questions! Tugging with a puppy is great and can start when puppy is home, there's no set period at all. Just be mindful of teething as covered in this episode. For dogs not interested, there's a great game to start with in a blog post "How to Create a Motivating Toy": susangarrettdogagility.com/2018/09/how-to-create-a-motivating-toy/ For the dominance debunk, there are many papers and studies, so a search at Google Scholar is a good starting point. Alpha and Beta was in a book by David Mech about wolves in 1970, and the term was given to dogs as well once the book was published. As the author himself has stated, we know more now, here's a video: ua-cam.com/video/tNtFgdwTsbU/v-deo.html
@@DogsThat wow thank you that was more than I could have hoped for! Thanks a lot! And 👍for this wonderful vegan dog trainer! I appreciate you and your work!
Another amazing podcast! 💕I have a problem with my dog. When we tug She just likes to hold the toy, She is rearly shaking and so on. Is that bad?😅 And another thing: She loves destroying the toys, when I let her win, She starts to chew on the toy😑. How to fix that?
Unprovoked attacks can also be a sign of epilepsy in dogs. Out Yorkie poo was clearly born this way. Her meds have helped, but she is becoming resistant. When she is having an episode, it is very evident in a game of tug. We use very long braided tug rope to prevent bites, but when her growl changes from playful, the game stops for our safety.
My dog is a super sweet golden retriever, but when we tug, she does get aggressive to the point that I have to always just walk away. Sometimes I’m afraid she’ll bite me, and I do have to carry my other dog away from her while she growls and chases us. How do I stop that behavior other than just walking away. I’ve started her in agility classes with my other puppy and I’m afraid she’ll get aggressive in class.
What should you do when your tugging and your dog pulls it from your hand or you accidentally lose grip and they just take off running with it. I know not to chase her, then it's a game. But she is having a grand time playing with it without me. There isn't enough value in playing with me.
Omg seen the title and first thought was omg this person is crazy but was like I'm gonna watch this and see what shes talking about..very good video..old tshirts make good puppy tugs very soft. . ..I'm gonna have to disagree with the dogs dominance part, I have Belgian Malinois and they are very dominant dogs and will bully a no "alpha" human....I got a good laugh out of the reasons not to play tug lol....tugs are life along with chuckit balls in this house they are training rewards for us. Excellent video definitely not what the title makes you think....now depending upon what type of dog and training example I raise and train dogs for DOD, police/military, and detection dog for airlines these dogs have to be able to preform on all surfaces so there for bite and sent work training is done on all surfaces....once pups start shedding baby teeth tugging should be stopped until all adult teeth are in to many risk for damage to the mouth and teeth
Learn how to play ItsYerChoice: recallers.com/iycsummit-join/
Great information as usual! A tip for handlers with strong Tuggers - lock your elbows to your body or even your knee, to prevent stress on your own neck and shoulders. And with puppies, get down to their level to prevent that neck being bent up or back (the puppy's neck, that is!)
Thank you Suzan! I've always been leery about playing tug with my girl because she's very high strung & I dint want it to turn into something more aggressive! Thank you for the tips! We will now play tug! She will be very pleased with the change! 😊
Thanks for that I had stopped tugging with my dog because he was always trying to catch my hands or close to my hands and a few time I fell his teeth 🦷 on a finger of my wrist, so I had simply just stopped. The thing I was doing without knowing, is the few times that incident happened I had stopped the game and put the toy away. Thank you for that. Another well explain podcast
Phew! I was so worried when I saw the podcast title.....My pup loves her games of tuggies
Very well explained. Thank you so much!
I can back up your view on the hard mouthed gundog myth. My Labrador plays tug with me all the time but she can still carry a raw egg without splitting it. ❤️
Thanks
Liked as soon as I heard what you said at 5:06! Even the man that wrote and came out with the dominance theory stated that he was wrong, and his study was flawed. Love your videos!
I just love your videos they so helpful and you are such a crack up! Xxx
Can’t wait to try these when I get my puppy next week! Been doing a whole lotta youtube/podcast binging😊
That's super exciting, Liz! Thank you for enjoying the podcasts and videos. Puppies are so fun. Here's the video all abut puppy's first day for you - ua-cam.com/video/rUIX5qW85tU/v-deo.html
Hi Liz, I did a whole lot of UA-cam video searching and endeavoring to follow the advice when Phoenix came into my life full time. 3+years worth. You should see my collection!!!
Susan Garrett's is Head and Shoulders above EVERYTHING.
So glad you found your way here 🎉
Your puppy will be blessed and you will save yourself the pitfalls the following less qualified trainers.
@@AnnainAwe yup I watched a few that just didn’t fit me but I right away felt like Susan gets it. I’m looking forward to seeing how my first dog will shape me😊
Hello there, in this episode you talk about stopping the game of tug when the dogs mouth touches you or your clothing and I was wondering in what way do you stop? i.e. Do you take the toy away? Do you give the dog their "out" cue? Do you just let the toy go and go quiet? Also, how long do you cease play for? Thank you for all your wonderful information and knowledge!
I also struggle with this. His "Drop It" command is getting much much better, but when he gets super excited to the point his mouth touches skin is exactly when it fails. Holding the tug close doesn't work as he is too persistent and will put all his weight into the tug which causes my whole body to move. The only thing I have found to work is stepping on the toy and covering as much of it as possible. He still tries to rip it out from under my foot in these cases though.
Love this, I have used tug for training for a long time now, and learned something new from this.
Thank you for all your training tips and videos.
thank you so much as well.. great video
Tug of war is a great game it helps build they neck back up plus it help them bound with you
Our hunting GSPs refused to tug. As soon as there was pressure they'd release the toy so we played fetch with them instead. I saw no reason to bother training them to tug when it was in such opposition to their natural instincts. My miniature poodle however loved to tug and still had a very soft mouth. 🙂 He learned tug first so perhaps that's why.🤔
haha we have a hard biting GSDxDutchie cross that we play tug with daily. He has only ever bit me harder by accident or because he missed the tug.... But when he intentionally bites it is always a super soft mouth bite... Also helps owners teach an out and drop it
One of the dogs I walk with is a big tugger. He loves tugging his rope leash. He's got a release cue, Enough. He's the best at tug.
Awesome video as usual. Was tugging with my younger Dobe (2.5 yrs old now) to try to build up his confidence but for whatever reason he flat out refuses now. I do have to admit I believe I instilled rules too quickly because was unsure what to do when the growling escalates - really kind of scary on a 100lb dog. So what, other than the release the object cue, could I have done or used to make him still want to still play tug with Mom? One of our students has a 62lb 4 month old Great Dane that does it with his leash too. Have done the redirect, suggested having 2 leashes - one that's his and the one you're walking him on, big stuffed fluffy toy to occupy his mouth, maybe a chain leash, and/or using the tug on the leash as a reward, but that can be a bit tricky at times.
Loved this thanks Susan. I have 6 dogs. All of them I get to play tug but one. I struggle to get him to engage in a tug game.
I had the same issue. I locked myself and Basil, who wouldn’t tug with me, alone in the bedroom, brought out a new long toy I new she’d like and let her “get it” on command after a wait. Then I pulled gently away from her and she did pretty good with tug and even did a head shake. I think high value toy, length of toy (so she could have sone space from me so it didn’t worry her that it might be a direct challenge), making her wait to build excitement (just a few seconds), removing all other distractions, and my upbeat energy level were all key. I hope this helps.
Thanks for the podcast...REALLY enjoyed it. ..is the there a podcast on how to stop a dog chopping on the dumb bell? I have a 2y old blue heeler that has an AMAXING chomp!! SOOO the dumbbell is still on the shelf....too scared to use it and make a mistake that I could NEVER fix...granny owned by a cattle DOG
I really appreciate your explanation of how to tug safely. We just got a rescue Husky mix who's about 11 weeks old now. He was found at 6 weeks old in a closed box. The foster home he was in before us admittedly does not train their dogs (they have two older dogs). I know they played tug with him a lot, but I'm sure they did not stop him from biting them or their clothes. Recently, within the last few days, he gets super excited, will jump up and try to nip. He bites my clothes. Aside from doing recall games, we do some tugging but I'm wondering if we should refrain from tugging until he stops teething? When he jumps and nips we don't scold but leave him outside on his own for maybe 3 mins. I will try turning away from him and being statue when he bites my clothes but any other tips would be great. Thank you!
HI @sarahruthfinkel8842, congratulations on your new puppy! Susan has a great video about nipping and other over-excited behaviors that will be a great resource for you here --> ua-cam.com/video/06CyHsE-bEY/v-deo.html
(Sarah -DogsThat)
Why haven't I found this channel in the 15 years I've been searching? How many miseries I could have avoided... and my poor puppy's😑😖
Roberta, we're so happy you found our channel. Please, give yourself grace, you've done the best you could. As you learn more, you'll do better 💕
That was great! There is a part of the game that you do not mention: if we are playing to simulate a predatory sequence, I think that for the complete sequence, there has to be a moment when the dog wins and may run away with the prey. Sure this can't be done anywhere, but in a safe area, the experience is much more complete! That's why we need a second identical toy, in case the dog doesn't come back to ask and play again. Is there any reason why you do not mention this?
Thanks very much. My Japanese Spitz is only intersted to tug for a short while and then easily gets bored despite me running around trying to be upbeat. She tugs and shakes the object. She also doesn't fetch much, and if only dangly toys not balls. Somehow not much fun and quite tiring to have to keep encouraging her to play. I am not sure whether she is just a peaceful dog or a bit depressed. She is my first dog so can't compare.
Hi Ashapuri, thank you for asking this. Susan did a blog post about creating motivating toys and drive for play, here's the link for you: susangarrettdogagility.com/2018/09/how-to-create-a-motivating-toy/
She also talks about why cheerleading your dog may not be the best idea in this great podcast episode: ua-cam.com/video/h6X6wzQyngk/v-deo.html
Have fun!
Oops.. thanks for last tip.. I'm totally quilty of that.. up and down vs side to side.. thanks do much for that..
Can u perhaps explain how you end tugging session..
Out should be out..
But you don't want to end your game with out..
So..
??????
Hi Margaret, are you able to share a little more about what you'd like to do?
I want to play tug with my new Frenchie puppy, how can I safely do this with an ivdd prone pup? Is it harmful?
I have a tentative tugger so I appreciated these tips. Thank you!🍪🍪🍪🍪🍪
HOW DO i GET MY FOUR YEAR OLD MINIATURE SCHNAUZER TO WANT TO TUG; HOW DO I BEGIN TO TRANSFER VALUE TO TUGGING?
Hi Tim, it starts with creating a motivating toy, here's a blog post for you with the steps - susangarrettdogagility.com/2018/09/how-to-create-a-motivating-toy/
We do have a dog who will bring us a toy and want to start a play. A tug or a ball to toss. What I’ve noticed is that he does this because he needs stimulation, attention, exercise. Because he does this on days when he got a short walk or we are tired after work. Now that I’m consistent with his walks and adding training breaks through the day he’s like nah, I’m tired, go watch tv and let me rest. lol.
I think people should be allowed to play tug of war whilst they have a good relationship with their dogs and don’t let strangers stroke their dogs.
i have older dogs18 months,3 years and 8 years, who do not tug. I would like to know how to start to teach especially the younger two to tug. The 3 year old will play fetch but not tug. I have tried ropes, balls on ropes and toys and so far nothing has worked. I would appreciate any advice.I belong to both recallers and home school the dog. Thanks
Hi Gail, exploring the bonus Tuggers Module in Recallers would be a great starting point. Look for it under the site index 🙂
Tug is one of her fav toys - and as we were watching this video - sure enough she was jumping and mouthing my hands... Game over! Toys withdrawn. She is whining. Had to close the door so I can finish this video lesson. Thanks for the sage advice Susan!
I have a fear based reactive dog. I'm having trouble getting him to tug in different environments. I started in the family room then moved to the kitchen then to the basement. The backyard is still to distracting. Other dogs and noises that he is afraid of. Sometimes successful at the agility training center. How do I continue to build his confidence when there are strong distractions? He is an 8 year old Sheltie.
Hi Marybeth, there's another video that will be helpful for you and your Sheltie - ua-cam.com/video/NzqJgT4dYB0/v-deo.html
My Papillon likes tug but we have several issues. No matter how long the tug toy, he still wants to grab it right near my hand and I can't figure out how to make him want to grab it farther away since he loses interest if he does. Also, he loses interest quickly and seems to like chasing it more than tugging. Is he just not a tug toy dog?
I have 2 Golden, one is not too fond of tugging but when he does he weight shift is fantastic, my pup loves to tug but I have trouble to get this weight shift. He shakes his head very hard, I do not like that very much so I have decided now to stop playing when he does the shaking :) is there anything I could do to help my pup get a better weight shift? Thanks for another great podcast!
Hi Pascale, in AN, pop into the "See-Saw Emergency to See-Saw Success" workshop. There's lots of great insights on weight shift back in Chapter 1 with Thomas and Must.
@@DogsThat super thanks I will check it out.
Is it dangerous for the dog to have front paws in the air during game of tug, or even all four paws off ground?
Hi Susan, if I understand you suggest not to play with Leather or Rabbit fur, so the dog does not recognize the tug I use for playing is different from a real rabbit?! I think they do not smell in the same way because the fur or the leather is treated. I just want to understand what you mean.
I used a real rabbit tug in the past because it was the only thing I could use to improve tugging with her. Then i changed into a pile tug. Of course the dog is reactive with rabbits or other animals because she is a mixed breton. Do you think I reinforced her hunting instict too? Thank you
Hi Arianna, Susan was pointing out that tugging with fur or leather toys causing them to want to chase squirrels or rabbits was not true. That thinking that way was essentially "flawed science" and a myth. So it's perfectly acceptable to use a fur tug toy.
@@DogsThat thank you !! I have just misunderstanding that purasse. I am italian, usually i understand vero well because the english of Susan is super clear. Thank you for explaining me :)
Question about tug troubleshooting: What if you have a dog that is not super interested in interacting with you and the toy? Mine mostly wants to keep it to himself, and rip it up. Otherwise, he will play keep away. He has no interest in bringing the toy back to interact with me.
Have you tried making that toy a tugging only toy? Meaning when that really fun toy comes out, it only comes out if you both play together, it doesn't sit around the house to be played with whenever your dog wants to. If they stop tugging, don't let them have it to play with on their own, just stop the game so they learn that they only get to play with that toy when they play with you! Try switching up tug toys too, for example, my pup's favorite tug toy is a fuzzy fake fur piece from a coat haha I used to try rubber and rope toys, but this is by far the most interesting to him
Hugo'stheBoss, you always have great notes and questions! Training a retrieve is going to turn that keep away around. There's tips for this for puppies in a video blog:
susangarrettdogagility.com/2018/11/puppy-retrieve/
If you are in Home School the Dog there's all the steps to an amazing fetch in the bonus "Bring Me!" program.
Playing the "motivating toy" game will also help creating that attention to you and is a fun. There's a blog post "How to Create a Motivating Toy" to help.
susangarrettdogagility.com/2018/09/how-to-create-a-motivating-toy/
@@DogsThat Thank you so much! I may have good questions and notes, but those come from watching really interesting and well put together videos!
@@Emma-fe6yt Interesting points! I have tried to use only a specific toy, but he often will loose interest fast when he can't keep it for himself and rip it. But, I will take your advice and stop playing when he loses interest in playing with me.
@@DogsThat Hi Susan, I love your podcasts and eagerly await each one. I’m also a member of Recallers and Crate Games. Thank you for sharing your expertise!
I wonder if you could help me with something. I am very confused about whether routine is good or bad for a dog. I like routine myself but there seems to be conflict between “experts” as to whether it’s good or bad for dogs. I have heard that it’s good to “ditch the routine” because it can make the dog predict things to the point of stress. I can see that first hand when my dogs predict that it’s walk time or dinner time. I get frustration barking or whining, and I’m sure that must be stressful. On the other hand I have been told it’s unfair to a dog to not have routine and the lack of routine is stressful! Can you give me your take on this please?
Thank you in advance
Best regards
Phyll Pascoe
I have the dog that brings a toy to me when I’m watching tv and yes, I absent- mindedly tug with her and she loves it! I thought you must have been watching me! LOL when I try to initiate tug myself, she isn’t interested and won’t play / what do you suggest?
Hi Lindy, the motivating toy game can be great! Here's where you can see the steps: susangarrettdogagility.com/2018/09/how-to-create-a-motivating-toy/
I had a collie springer cross and she loved to tug. One day I found her carrying a baby rabbit really gently in her mouth. She let me take the little rabbit and I let it go. It hopped away happily back to where it came from. That dog could tug really hard.
Thank you for this awesome video! Susan brilliantly discusses all important aspects of tugging. I have one follow up question: Susan mentions tugging should be started and finished by the handler, not when the dog wants. My question is: What should I do if my dog quits tugging even though I'd like to continue? It happens sometimes, especially inside the house with toys that I don't really use in training outside. (Perhaps the inside toys don't have so much value for her?) I keep the sessions short and vary the game.
I did exactly what you said, after he clipped my thumb by accident. Stopped the game, and he stopped also right away, and dropped to toy for me throw for him. He's learning fast, he's high energy, german sheppard 2.5 years old.
That's awesome, Evalyn! Keep up the good work and fun 💕
Bessie does not want to be a tugger. We've been working on this issue for quite a while now. Some days I can get her arousal up enough to get her tugging, but she doesn't seem to enjoy it. I'm wondering if it hurts her teeth somehow. We have a vet visit this week, so I will have her checked out.
mine won't tug either
If I let my dog win the toy, she won't come back with it to me. Just pisses off with it. I can try running away backwards from her, trying to lure and entice her to me, have another toy... No matter what. She won't come back with the toy. If I put her on the long line and drag her back to me and take it, she becomes possessive because I want to take it from her. She has done resource guarding in the past, but I managed to get to a point where she even drops a bully stick when I approach thanks to counter conditioning. I don't know how it is with toys though. And if I never let her win the tug, she loses interest in tugging. Any tips?
How about our new 7 mo. old 80 lbs Big Puppy play with our small first 12 yr old cavalier king charles at 21 lbs??
Hi Linda, we have a playlist for multiple dog homes with many tips and insights to help - ua-cam.com/play/PLphRRSxcMHy2ee0fquucowgCTcl1kCdO-.html
I would love to know how to fix it if you or your dogs previous owner have a loud tugging on sleeves. I would also like to know how best to fix it when your dog gets over aroused during training and starts wanting to bite and tug rather than continuing to train. I know that balance breaks are important here and that these should be done before the dog gets to that point, but if you go over on your dog gets too excited and redirect some to the sleeve instead of engaging appropriately, I feel like taking a tug out at that point is reinforcing a behaviour you don’t want.
Hi Stephanie, ItsYerChoice with toys is going to help for sure. There are also strategies in the podcast episode "4 Puppy and Dog Training Games for Acquired Bite Inhibition" - ua-cam.com/video/HmKUv7pQYQU/v-deo.html
You might want to look at what you do in response, so there are tips in a blog post:
susangarrettdogagility.com/2020/02/taking-back-the-keys-to-the-cookie-jar/
@@DogsThat I would love to see videos of ItsYerChoice with toys. I’ve seen it with food so far but I’ll be honest, I’m struggling to generalise the concept.
Hi Stephanie, reviewing the last page of the Playbook has tips, and if you need help, drop a note in the IYC Game in the HSTD website for your Coaches.
Tugging has been a real struggle for me. My dogs enjoy tugging with each other and with me as well some. One of my dogs enjoys holding the tug while the other tugger does all the work, I've have shaped him to do more of the tugging when he plays with me. Is that right? Another of my dogs keeps having undesirable events. She tugs wildly. Once she scarred herself because she pulled a long tug out of my hand and it hit the heater making a loud noise, we are still working on being okay with things happening around the heater again. Most recently she hit my hand with her eye. We had to take a brake but she got back into tugging in another room after doing some hand touches and kisses (easy fun tricks she gets excited about). Should I train this dog to tug more gently? Along with the mishaps her wild tugging has caused, I worry she might hurt her own neck. She was prone to more wild tugging, but I'm sure my shaping of more active tugging with my other dog probably migrated over to enforcing that with the already active tugger. I guess if I had to summarize my question it would be... how much should we be shaping our dogs tug style?
Hi Lindsay, those are really good observations. Shaping tugging style is a nuance to look at for sure, as for dog sports tugging is a great way to start and encourage weight shift back. Share a little video with us in WN.
I'm doing the skill drop it with the game tug
After 3-4 times he loses interest. Makes me feel he thinks why bother since I'm shortening the game
❤️❤️❤️
What exactly does the End of Game look like? Do I bring the toy close to my body? Do I get up and move away? I've seen before that I drop the toy and move away, so I wondered how Susan does it.
Hi @diceybrute, there's more about the end in the video with games to help with bite inhibition: ua-cam.com/video/HmKUv7pQYQU/v-deo.html
@@DogsThat Thank you!
Noce
My pit Loved playing tug It didn't change the fact that he would still soft mouth me when he wanted to play the only person he ever bit seriously was breaking into my house I say this because the one I've always heard Was it will make your dog aggressive it makes me aggressive when people say that crap
I cant get my dog to tug as a training reward. She is definitely not prey motivated. I noticed in agility, tugs are used as reward rather than treats, but this dog is not interested. We did play tug at home just as play. She would even tug o war with the other dog (who flatly refuses to tug with a human). Treats are not allowed in the ring so having a toy motivator would be swell. How can I build value for that?
Hi Kat, the tips in the video on creating confidence starting inside can apply to tugging, here's where you can watch:
ua-cam.com/video/NzqJgT4dYB0/v-deo.html
Ok. I needed this. We’ve started letting our 17 mo old poodle mix has started deciding when we’ll play. We need a plan to play on a schedule or at least structure. How long or frequently should we play. She loves tug.
Susan says to work/play with your dog several times every day, but briefly, maybe only a few minutes. Watch for signs that your mechanics or the dog's attention wanes and end before the rules go out the window.
Difficult to get my dog to give up the toy.
@SheilaMacKenzie-h6g Here is a great resources from Susan that you may find helpful --> ua-cam.com/video/7I8zLWN4rQk/v-deo.html (Julie - DogsThat Team)
I have a nearly 3 year old shepherd that's not a fan of tugging except rubber frisbees. While playywith frisbee I will go to grab frisbee and he wants to tug. Sometimes he'll let me have it but sometimes I have to grab his collar before he gives it to me. I try not to let the tug happen because we play with light frisbees that fly far and it's easy to rip them. I feel like it's the soft rubber that he likes to pull with. And funny enough while I'm writing this an idea popped in my head about a squeaker bone (he LOVES to make it sqeak) that the squeakers have been chewed out of have a home in the ends that a rope could go through. Might try that but still would be grateful for recommendations. Thank you!
Thank goodness it’s ok to tug. I was scared for a minute that I’ll have to give up this activity that both my dog and I enjoy. He is careful not to get my hand. If he accidentally touches my hand, he doesn’t clench, he immediately moves his mouth away. I don’t know how he learned this, maybe because I made some noises when he touched me . He loves to bring a rope, or a rubber frisbee or some other toy, he touches my leg, he teases me by going back a few steps, comes back to me, eventually he lets me grab the toy, we tug, then I say “drop it,” he lets it go (not as fast as I’d like, unless there is food involved) and runs in the direction where he thinks I’ll throw it for him to catch.
Loved this talk ! Please talk about training the dog tonlet go when it is very aroused so that you can play again
I think playing Itsyerchoice is the thing to do. Pull the toy towards you, cover it up with your hands as much as possible, and stop tugging. The dog should back off and offer a sit or down. I use the command "leave it," but Susan says you shouldn't have to. Itsyerchoice is linked above the comments.
Amazing video as always! I have so many questions: In which period do puppies tug? And how to get a dog to tug that is not so interested in playing because out of missing experience I inhibited it trying to lower his hunting instinct 🤦🏻♀️😥
Oh and do you have literature about the dominance debunk? I have friends that are pretty stubborn in this.
And don't worry if you don't have time for so many questions but I thought honest engagement with your content will help grow your channel 😉👍👋 have a great weekend!
Hi Ionica, we love your comments and questions! Tugging with a puppy is great and can start when puppy is home, there's no set period at all. Just be mindful of teething as covered in this episode. For dogs not interested, there's a great game to start with in a blog post "How to Create a Motivating Toy":
susangarrettdogagility.com/2018/09/how-to-create-a-motivating-toy/
For the dominance debunk, there are many papers and studies, so a search at Google Scholar is a good starting point. Alpha and Beta was in a book by David Mech about wolves in 1970, and the term was given to dogs as well once the book was published. As the author himself has stated, we know more now, here's a video: ua-cam.com/video/tNtFgdwTsbU/v-deo.html
@@DogsThat wow thank you that was more than I could have hoped for! Thanks a lot! And 👍for this wonderful vegan dog trainer! I appreciate you and your work!
When dogs should not tug might be a better title
Love it's yer choice
Another amazing podcast! 💕I have a problem with my dog. When we tug She just likes to hold the toy, She is rearly shaking and so on. Is that bad?😅 And another thing: She loves destroying the toys, when I let her win, She starts to chew on the toy😑. How to fix that?
so its not the game of tug itself, but how you play the game! Rules rule!
Unprovoked attacks can also be a sign of epilepsy in dogs. Out Yorkie poo was clearly born this way. Her meds have helped, but she is becoming resistant. When she is having an episode, it is very evident in a game of tug. We use very long braided tug rope to prevent bites, but when her growl changes from playful, the game stops for our safety.
My dog is a super sweet golden retriever, but when we tug, she does get aggressive to the point that I have to always just walk away. Sometimes I’m afraid she’ll bite me, and I do have to carry my other dog away from her while she growls and chases us. How do I stop that behavior other than just walking away. I’ve started her in agility classes with my other puppy and I’m afraid she’ll get aggressive in class.
What should you do when your tugging and your dog pulls it from your hand or you accidentally lose grip and they just take off running with it. I know not to chase her, then it's a game. But she is having a grand time playing with it without me. There isn't enough value in playing with me.
Omg seen the title and first thought was omg this person is crazy but was like I'm gonna watch this and see what shes talking about..very good video..old tshirts make good puppy tugs very soft. . ..I'm gonna have to disagree with the dogs dominance part, I have Belgian Malinois and they are very dominant dogs and will bully a no "alpha" human....I got a good laugh out of the reasons not to play tug lol....tugs are life along with chuckit balls in this house they are training rewards for us. Excellent video definitely not what the title makes you think....now depending upon what type of dog and training example I raise and train dogs for DOD, police/military, and detection dog for airlines these dogs have to be able to preform on all surfaces so there for bite and sent work training is done on all surfaces....once pups start shedding baby teeth tugging should be stopped until all adult teeth are in to many risk for damage to the mouth and teeth
Thanks so much for watching, Michelle!
I have 2 Golden Retrievers, from working lineage. None of them want to tug with me! But they love to tug one with the other. Then fall asleep 😂
My friend is afraid that playing tug with her dog will make him aggressive. For example she is afraid that it may then want to bite her cat.
my dogs are even batter i think