April 20, 2011

Is it too late to teach my 2.5 year old dog a reliable out?

Full Question:
I have a 2 1/2 year old male Mal with high drive. I did not tug with him as a young puppy and teach him a reliable out. When he gets overly excited he will not out the ball, bite pillow etc. Is it too late to teach him a reliable out or is there a way to do it. Holding the object still, he holds and holds. Trying to trade one object for another does not work, food does not work as he is more toy driven.

Penny
Cindy
Cindy Cindy's Answer:
I would recommend reviewing The Power of Playing Tug with your Dog.

Teaching the out is covered there, even for dogs that are possessive of the item.

you should not use a bite pillow or a ball if the dog won’t out. You need to use a tug that is easy to stabilize, otherwise the dog can self satisfy while you are trying to get the out.

Cindy Rhodes

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Expert Dog Trainer Cindy Rhodes
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