August 13, 2013
I was doing the OUT command with the tug and my dog was chewing the tug. He wouldn't release and chewed on my hand so I grabbed the tug and smacked him on the head, now he shies away from the tug. What can I do?
Full Question:
Hi,I have received the 2 DVD from your site (train with food and play with tug). I just need some quick advice.
I was doing the "out" command with my dog, but he was chewing the tug toy. I narrowed and clamped closer to the muzzle, I said no. But he continue to chew, I was holding it really still.
Then, he start to chew on my knuckle (hand), I said no and he continue. This happened a few times and finally today (my hand got cut and bled), the chewing got so painful and I grabbed the tug and smacked it on his head (as he is disregarding my NO).
Now, he is shying away from the tug toy, what can I do now?
Thanks.
Cindy's Answer:
I would go back to only using food. Based on what you describe in your email, I would have suggested you NOT play tug with this dog until he had been working with food for a longer period of time.
Depending on your dog, it may be that he will not want to play with you again. It was a serious mistake to make for a dog that is just learning the game. Think about it from his point of view, he doesn't understand what you expect and then you hit him over the head with something you want him to play with.
How old is this dog?
Cindy Rhodes
Depending on your dog, it may be that he will not want to play with you again. It was a serious mistake to make for a dog that is just learning the game. Think about it from his point of view, he doesn't understand what you expect and then you hit him over the head with something you want him to play with.
How old is this dog?
Cindy Rhodes
User Response:
Hi Cindy,Great to hear from you. He is about 14 months old, a cross breed which I adopted when he was 3 months old. He has great food drive, but was thinking to move on to (playing tug) prey drive for obedience.
Cindy's Answer:
Playing tug is a great motivator but it's possible (depending on your dog and how fast he recovers from handler mistakes) that by hitting your dog with the tug you have effectively made it a negative association for the dog.
I would stay with food for a while and hopefully the dog will get over it with time.
Cindy Rhodes
I would stay with food for a while and hopefully the dog will get over it with time.
Cindy Rhodes
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