10 years ago I produced a DVD that taught people to train their dog to carry a tug after it was released. The dogs were trained to come into your arms and hold the tug when asked. We have come to learn that that training only works on a very specific type of dog. Dog training has always been an evolving endeavor, we now know there are better ways. This short video begins to explain why these new methods are a better way to train.
Kippy, as a puppy, was not food motivated. He loved the game of tug, but the classes I took with him used food as a reward. The instructor was always encouraging me to get Kippy to focus on me, and Kippy was more interested in the other puppies, the instructor, the room... anything but me. I realize this was a problem with me, but no one gave me a method for how to change this. And yet, he loves the game of tug.
How I wish the instructor had shown me how to utilize Kippy's love of tug. I played tug with him all the time, and just by chance came up with the type of game that is illustrated in the video of Michael playing with his dog. Such a simple thing "are you ready?!!" means "come play tug with me." Such a simple thing, play tug - train - play tug - train.
I've ordered a tug and a training vest and can't wait until they arrive. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Hadley
Written on November 15, 2013
SteveB
5/5 stars
Write your review here.This is BIG, Such a small thing but oh so important, No one has ever explained how or why we play tug or why we use a specific type of tug toy, This perhaps should be the 1st or second piece of information to be shared with a new dog owner, I will now change my toy and how we play with it from this day forward, Many thanks
