Playing TUG, With Rules

A gleeful game of tug!

Many dogs absolutely love playing tug. I'm a huge fan of this activity, as long as you take the time to teach your dog the rules of the game.

Here are some wonderful benefits:

• Tug is fun and highly motivating

• It's an opportunity to socially bond with your dog

• It allows you to teach some valuable skills as well as impulse control

• Your dog will learn how to focus on you and your cues even when excited

• Your dog will learn how to control their arousal levels

Some of the dogs I work with love tug so much that it can be a valuable way to reward them during training sessions, often trumping tasty treats! It's nice to have a variety of ways to reward a dog for their good efforts.

When selecting treats for this training task, choose super-tasty treats (like bits of chicken, cheese, hotdog) if your dog is extremely excited by tug play and thus reluctant to let go. If your dog has only a moderate interest in tug, select medium-value treats to prevent the dog from dropping out of tugging entirely because they know treats are available.

Okay, so here are the rules of the tug game:

• A designated toy is selected for this game, to help the dog understand tugging is only allowed with one specific item. Pick something long enough so that you can both comfortably hold on to it without being cramped, space-wise.

• Use a calm voice and body language at first, to help keep your dog's excitement levels in check.

• Be sure the dog reins their body in before you invite them to begin tugging. The game shouldn't begin if your dog is lunging at the toy, jumping up, or barking.

• Teach the dog a specific cue (like, GET IT) to let them know the tug game is officially beginning and then present the toy near them and on their level, not above them. (A toy held high will encourage jumping and may also increase the chance of careless tooth contact with your skin or clothes.)

• Keep the tugging very low-key and brief at first so your dog doesn't get too excited. This will make it easier for them to let go when you ask them to.

• Introduce a cue (like, GIVE) when you want the dog to let go. Get very still yourself and stop tugging as you say this word, then immediately use your free hand to present a treat right in front of their nose, waiting quietly until they let go. Release the treat when the dog drops the toy. If your dog is generally quite grabby about the toy, toss the treat a few feet away so you can re-set, putting the toy temporarily out of view until you're ready for the next bout of tugging.

• Repeat until your dog is quick to drop the toy when cued, even without you having to present the treat upfront and directly in front of their nose. You'll still reward for the release, you just won't need to bribe them upfront anymore. Ultimately, for dogs who really enjoy tug, the recommencement of the game will be rewarding enough, and you can gradually fade the use of treats.

• Gradually increase the intensity and duration of the game, as your dog is ready for more of a challenge.

• Begin to fold simple obedience skills into the session, in between rounds of tug, so your dog learns to focus and respond to other cues, even when excited.

• Any tooth contact to your skin or clothing during the game causes you to emit a loud "OUCH!" and then an immediate end to the game. You can either take the toy with you and put it away, or just let go yourself and walk away. The tug game requires two participants, so you leaving the game is a significant consequence for a tooth-contact infraction.

The steps above should get you successfully started with most dogs. But be aware that some dogs are highly motivated to possess and guard the tug toy, bringing what should be a fun game up to a level of competitive intensity that could be a problem. If you're concerned, abort any tug play. If you really want to tackle the issue, seek a pro trainer to help walk you through the steps safely.

Check out this video of my brother's dog playing tug. She's quick to let go of the toy when requested, and also very good on her LEAVE IT when the toy is temporarily draped atop her head.

Happy tugging!

If you're in need of any training or behavior assistance, please get in touch.

I'd love to help you reach your goals! In-person lessons are available in Scottsville, VA, southern areas of Charlottesville, Buckingham County, and surrounding areas.

Remote assistance is available anywhere in the US.

My email is virginiadare2013@gmail.com.