Okay, so I play with the item, let him miss a couple of times, then let him bite it...when I let him run he really holds on to the item, can put him into my arms with no problem, can play tug again, etc. I don't rightly remember if it says so in the video, but how long should I do the running/into my arms/tugging thing? Should I wait until he loses interest, out him with command, get him to out without command (picking up with collar), before I start all action once again? Basically I just want to know how long I should do the grip, vs. the drive...

Btw, yes, this is my previous "driveless" dog. Don't ask me how, I'm still trying to figure it out myself. Maybe he ate magic mushrooms, maybe the pixie fairies came one night and took my old dog away and gave me a new one. One thing is for sure, he WILL take my head off if I'm not careful...he jumps that high for the tug now...and I've never had him lose interest in the tug for the past week.

Forgot to add...the reason I'm asking is I can basically run him for a long, long, long time and he won't lose interest, and I can't 'pull' the item out of his mouth because he grips it that well, so I don't know if it's okay to just force the item out of him. I don't want to out him too often as he seriously hates it (starts to scream through the tug when I say "Out", although he'll do it well enough).

Kristine,

The Leerburg videos say to do the work for about two or three minutes three or four times a day. I also remeber hearing NOT to out by lifting the dog by his collar (can't remember where) because it creates conflict between dog and handler. I also seem to recall that, at the beginning you will run more and do quicker "into my arms" routines, then as the dog becomes more confident, grips tighter, gains more trust in the handler being so close w/ his item, etc.. you will run less and have the dog spend more time in your arms holding the item.

My dog has the same proficiency as yours (from the sounds of it) and what I do is drive on one session, where the dog never gets the item (at least not by my choice <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" /> ), and then work the grip in a different session. Don't know if this is proper procedure so to speak but it's just a suggestion.

I'd be interested in hearing any other opinions on this one as well!! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Ah, yes, concerning the collar part, now I remember <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />. I was just speculating...I taught him out by flanking. I can actually hold him in my arms for a long time, engage in conversation, touch the item, etc., and he'll just remain there not mouthing or letting go. So I'm confused on how to 'end'. I don't want to out him, he won't let go, at least not for a while, and I usually want to end the session with him screaming for the tug before I get someone to hide it for me.

I might try what you're doing, if I can. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> It's HARD keeping him away from the tug. If I'm not careful I get bit.

I work my dog on a line for this, if your dog has just got the hang of biting and gripping well, why would you want him to out, I would just let him win it and let him run around with it,we run around in a circle 2/3 times, keeping control via the line, you can then reel him in slowly, if you try and force the out to soon he will have problems releasing in the future.Sounds like he has improved a stack <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />
If he stands and holds gently stroke him,if he drops it
give your command you are going to use, be patient some dogs can hold for a long time.. are you working alone?

As far as ending, give your dog one more bite - or if you can't get the prey item away, let him "win" a tugging match and run with him to his kennel. When he drops the prey item, immediately take it away. If he sits in his kennel for 1/2 hour holding it - that is wonderful. As soon as he mouths or drops it, it is away.