When I work with my puppy on the puppy tug, he goes for the handle and not the tug itself. Why is this?

Pups go after the handle because it moves less than the rest of the tug. They learn that it's easier to get the handle than the other end of the tug. This is either caused by handler error, (poor use of the tug), or the dog is ready for the "back tie."

If you clip the tug on a leash and flop it around on the ground you can often get more jumpy movement in the tug and eliminate this problem for awhile. If the dog gets the rope (or leash) then its time for a back tie where you can direct the bite to the proper place on the tug.

Back ties also allow you to build frustration by making the dog miss the tug as you run by - frustration builds drive.