March 10, 2022

My dog loves playing tug but when I let go of the item she munches her way to the end and bites the handles. How do I stop this? 

Full Question:
Hi,
I have the following problem. My dog (2yr old Malinois) loves playing tug, biting wedges and arms and bites perfectly center but as soon as I let go she starts munching her way to one side and biting the handle or the corners of the wedge. How can I train her to keep it center and stop biting into the handles or corners or in case of the arm sticking her muzzle into it and biting the grab handle?

Thank you for your time and all the best!
Cindy
Cindy Cindy's Answer:
Ruling out a physical issue, neck or mouth pain, then it's very likely that once you let go and there is no tension on the toy/wedge and she's able to chew.

Don't let her have the item and she won't be able to do this. Or attach a leash or line to the item and keep tension on her and teach her not to do this. Are you playing tug as an obedience reward or as a way to exercise her or as a foundation to protection work?

I'd suggest watching Power of Playing Tug with Your Dog for more ideas on technique as well. 
User Response:
Thank you for your response.

I'm playing with a small tug and wedge as an obedience reward and with a larger wedge and sleeve in Schutzhund. She's doing the chewing on both instances. I'll try the tip with a leash to keep tension in the toy.

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Expert Dog Trainer Cindy Rhodes
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