I have been around higher levels of dog training for a long long time and thought I knew a thing or two about how to play tug with your dog. When I started to go to Michael Ellis' seminars I found out there was an entirely different side to this work - a better side.

Since 1982 I have produced a lot of training DVDs, but hands down the ones I have done (and am doing) with Michael are the ones I am most proud of. These DVDs are going to make a dramatic difference on how people live with and train their dogs. They are changing the relationship people have with their dogs.

At 5 hours and 25 minutes, there was just so much great information that I wanted to get into this training DVD that I had to make it this long. I believe you will agree when you study it.

This DVD on playing tug is the second video in the Building Drive and Focus Series with Michael Ellis. The first DVD, The Power of Training Dogs with Food, and this DVD, teach new trainers how to establish the foundation of Michael Ellis's training system on their dogs. Once that is accomplished, the principles of Michael’s system can be used to teach a dog any behavior or exercise.

Michael’s system is based on marker training or operant conditioning. If you are new to markers or new to Michael Ellis’ system of dog training I would recommend you view the free 1 hour streaming video of Michael lecturing on his philosophy of dog training in the streaming video section of our web site.

You should also review the free 87 page eBook I wrote titled “The Power of Training Dogs with Markers.” It is in the list of free eBooks on our web site.

Our DVD opens with Michael’s lecture on why and how to play tug with your dog. Michael then demonstrates technique with his dog Pi. Unlike other dog training DVDs most of the dogs I included were untrained dogs with handlers new to this system of training. I feel people learn more from watching others learn the work than by only watching the instructor work with his own dog.

For the tug to be used as an obedience reward with your dog, you must have 3 things.

1. The dog must tug with enthusiasm,
2. The dog must out when told to out,
3. The dog must bring the tug back after you release it.

This is the core goal of our training DVD. If dogs will not do these three things then handlers can not use a toy or a tug as a reward in training.

The DVD covers the following topics.

• A 46 minute opening lecture from Michael on his theory on playing tug with your dog.


• The size and type of tugs to use, avoiding equipment bias


• The proper way to get a dog engaged in tug play


• How to teach a second handler to be a solid POST for your dog or puppy


• Learning the correct way to create misses to build the intensity in your dog


• Learning the mechanics of how to play tug once the dog has targeted the toy


• There is an extensive section on teaching people how to present the tug while you play.


• We show 10 different presentations:
  1. The frontal catch
  2. The catch to the right
  3. The catch to the left
  4. The stationary rear catch to the right
  5. The stationary rear catch to the left
  6. The rear spin catch to the right
  7. The rear spin catch to the left
  8. The presentation from the Place Postion (when do is between your legs)
  9. The presentation with the right hand from the heel position
  10. The presentation for the left hand from the heel position.
  
  
• We have a section on adding distraction to the training.
• There is a 1 hour and 28 minute segment on the correct way to introduce and teach the OUT to your dog. This is the most comprehensive explanation of training the OUT that I have ever seen. It could be a DVD in and of itself.
• There are a number of different dogs used in the OUT segment each with their own issues. I including a dog that has (had) a serious out problem. Every trainer in every biting dog sport should view this work (including police K9 handlers).
• We have a segment in the DVD on managing the drive of your dog. You will learn why Michael intentionally takes many dogs through the learning phase at lower levels of drive and then once the task is learned - raps up the level drive. Part of this segment explains and shows what to do with dogs that don't have enough prey drive to use a toy reward in obedience.
• We have a section in the DVD on avoiding getting dog bit when you play tug with your dog. Quite often people find that their dogs are constantly biting their hands when they play tug. We will teach you how to avoid this problem.
W
• e have a segment in the DVD where Michael talks about playing tug with puppies, what you can and cannot do. He explains what not to do when puppies are teething.

Ten years ago I produced a DVD that showed how to build drive with young dogs by using a ball on a string. I have since learned that there are much better ways to train dogs. The ball on a string work should be saved for adult dogs who are in advanced training (if it is used at all).

If your goal with your dog is to do competition obedience, agility work, or to get involved in one of the biting sports, playing tug the right way is an integral part for all those endeavors.

My tug DVD is not meant to be watched one time and stuck up on a shelf. It's impossible for anyone to watch this one time and absorb the information that's covered. Those who will get the most out of it will be people who study it by watching it again and again and again.

Leerburg Specials
The Power of Playing Tug with Your Dog $65.00 5 Hours, 25 Minutes This is another DVD that’s done with Michael Ellis. It teaches trainers in a step by step manner how to use a toy as a reward in training your dog. It teaches dogs to OUT when asked and to bring the toy back when its released and it’s all done with motivational methods. The Power of Training Dogs with Food $65.00 3 Hours, 45 Minutes This is the first DVD in the "Building Drive and Focus Series with Michael Ellis.” Michael Ellis is a dog training genius. In my 50 years of dog training I have never met anyone like Michael. The foundation of Michael's dog training system lies in marker training. The power of Michael's system lies in how markers are applied within Michaels training program. Unlike trainers who claim they can train every dog with 100% positive motivational methods, we know for a fact that corrections should have a place in any serious dog training program. They are required to guarantee reliability under distractions. The Power of Training Dogs with Markers $40.00 3 Hours, 33 Minutes Marker training (also called clicker training or operant conditioning) is one of the most profound systems of dog training that I have seen in my 50 years of owning, breeding and training working dogs.. In its most basic form, it's a method of communication that is very clear for dogs to understand. Dogs learn the marker language quickly and when they do they thrive in training. The marker system produces dogs that love to train. Save $10 and Free Shipping when you purchase The Power of Playing Tug with Your Dog DVD and The Power of Training Dogs with Markers DVD and The Power of Training Dogs with Food DVD		$160.00+s&h Save $10.00! Product #4013
The Power of Playing Tug with Your Dog $65.00 5 Hours, 25 Minutes This is another DVD that’s done with Michael Ellis. It teaches trainers in a step by step manner how to use a toy as a reward in training your dog. It teaches dogs to OUT when asked and to bring the toy back when its released and it’s all done with motivational methods. The Power of Training Dogs with Food $65.00 3 Hours, 45 Minutes This is the first DVD in the "Building Drive and Focus Series with Michael Ellis.” Michael Ellis is a dog training genius. In my 50 years of dog training I have never met anyone like Michael. The foundation of Michael's dog training system lies in marker training. The power of Michael's system lies in how markers are applied within Michaels training program. Unlike trainers who claim they can train every dog with 100% positive motivational methods, we know for a fact that corrections should have a place in any serious dog training program. They are required to guarantee reliability under distractions. The Power of Training Dogs with Markers $40.00 3 Hours, 33 Minutes Marker training (also called clicker training or operant conditioning) is one of the most profound systems of dog training that I have seen in my 50 years of owning, breeding and training working dogs.. In its most basic form, it's a method of communication that is very clear for dogs to understand. Dogs learn the marker language quickly and when they do they thrive in training. The marker system produces dogs that love to train. Your Puppy 8 Weeks to 8 Months $40.00 1 Hour, 59 Minutes This is one of our most popular training videos for new puppy owners. Over 35 years Ed Frawley bred close to 400 litters of German Shepherd puppies. He knows what new puppy owners need to learn to end up with a calm quiet happy dog in the house. The DVD was updated in October 2010 to reflect how Ed and Cindy raise puppies in their home. Free Shipping Method of our Choice when you purchase The Power of Playing Tug with Your Dog DVD and Your Puppy 8 Weeks to 8 Months and The Power of Training Dogs with Markers DVD and The Power of Training Dogs with Food DVD		$190.00+s&h Save $20.00! Product #4016
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October 23, 2010

Hello Cindy and Ed,

I just wanted to thank you so much for all the wonderful training DVDs and products you offer. I have recently purchased all the DVDs that you made with Michael Ellis. They are so wonderful and easy to follow. I have grown up with German Shepherds, and have always enjoyed working with them, but I have learned so much from these DVDs. I just taught my 11 month old female Ava to "hold" things and we are working on the dumbbell retrieve. It is so much fun! I have attatched a picture of her happily holding her basket.

Thanks again,
Daina

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April 9, 2010

Hi, Cindy.

Some time ago, I wrote to you asking for advice with my Samoyed who was not focusing in the heelwork. You advised me to by the set of 3 DVDs on (#4013).

Markers, food and tugs I did this and I am reaping the benefits hand over fist. My friend's Bernese is really coming on beautifully as well. Levi, the Samoyed, qualified Class A at Championship show level today. (Off lead heel with one command after every halt. Recall to heel on the move. Retrieve dumbbell. 1 min sit stay, handler in sight. 5 min down stay, handler out of sight. Scent using handler's cloth). LeveI won with 97 percent, being the only dog to qualify with more than 90 percent. Thank you so much for your great advice.

We have just received the Michael Ellis Focused Heeling DVD. Yet another great production! Congratulations again on. Your achievement in the National show with Rush. Excellent!

Kind regards,
SAM

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April 2, 2010

Hi,

I've been a trainer for 25 years. I have had German Shepherds literally all my life. I've competed in just about every dog sport there is, and have trained and shown dogs to championships in tracking, herding, obedience, plus more. I became so disgusted at what the "sport" of schutzhund became long ago. I quit cold turkey, and never looked back. Back when I was getting dirty looks for using my clicker & cookies, I would try to explain some of the science of learning to the group of good old boys I would train with, to no avail. I couldn't bare seeing fine dogs being tortured by unfair training methods used by incompetent, ignorant handlers with very poor skills that were unwilling to learn anything new. "That's the way we have always done it," was a commonly heard comment.

Over the years, I've taught hundreds of students, "better" ways to train enthusiastic, accurate, focused, reliable dogs, in AKC obedience. I've written for dog magazines like front and finish and the AKC gazette, given seminars, and made a living teaching private lessons. I don't keep up with any of the protection type dog sports anymore at all. I have never heard of Michael Ellis, so I don't know what made me order these DVDs from you, but I did, and boy am I glad I did! I have to say. Thank you, Thank you, THANK YOU! for producing these DVDs! I hope you sell a million of them! :) On these DVDs, not only is Michael using sound scientific principles of learning, he is delivering the information in a very clear, comprehensive, organized, thoughtful manner. It is obvious he has a deep understanding and a ton of experience in what he is teaching. Which is the hallmark of a great teacher, but very rare indeed! In working with the handlers, he is not missing a thing. What a valuable source of information!

I do also love how you edit the DVDs to point out reviews, comments or step by step points with text on the screen. These DVDs are a true asset to ANYONE who trains dogs, no matter what sport it is! I will be recommending them to all my students. Bravo!

PS-The video of Cindy and Rush actually brought a tear to my eye, knowing that there really is good protection type training going on out there, might just motivate me to dig out some of my old bite work equipment. :) I'm not that far from Wisconsin ;)

Thanks again!
Lori

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December 8, 2009

Ed,

Loved your new puppy. You will surely have lots of fun training him....

Watched your new TUG VIDEO WITH MICHAEL and it is GREAT... In fact it is SUPER GREAT...
I feel like someone let me sneak in the back door of the "inner circle club" of top trainers.....

So many useful topics... Topics that no one ever tells you... Like how to stand and Capping, etc... You and Michael should get an award for this one... It is so informative, especially for the "nubie" sport person... WOW... It's the best Christmas present I could give ME...

My goal is that someday when you film, I WILL BE DOING THE RIGHT THING... :)

See you in Feb.

Patt

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