March 20, 2014
My puppy is teething, is there a soft tug I can use for playing with her right now?
Full Question:
I recently started playing tug with my four month old BC. Outside of food it seems that's when I get the most focus out of her when training. It has helped me out tremendously in working on recalls, getting a solid out and building a retrieve (she does not like balls). The problem is now she is teething. Is there a soft enough tug that I can use if I lessen the intensity of the game or any other form of play that you think might be as useful?Thank You
Cindy's Answer:
While pups are teething, I don't really play tug at all. I work on food engagement as shown in The Power of Training Dogs with Food.
I don't want to risk an uncomfortable experience for the pup, simply because I was too impatient to wait for the teething process to be finished. Some people continue to play but I don't. You really can't know how a bit of mouth pain will affect your pup and if the association is made between pain & tugging it may be hard for certain dogs to forget.
I hope this helps.
Cindy Rhodes
I don't want to risk an uncomfortable experience for the pup, simply because I was too impatient to wait for the teething process to be finished. Some people continue to play but I don't. You really can't know how a bit of mouth pain will affect your pup and if the association is made between pain & tugging it may be hard for certain dogs to forget.
I hope this helps.
Cindy Rhodes
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