I've read from numerous sources including Ed that playing tug games with pets can create dominance issues but tug games are used in Schutzhund training. What is it about Schutzhund training/trainers that avoids these issues?

I'm looking for responces from people experienced in Schutzhund.

Thank you all for your responces.

Maybe you are misunderstanding or maybe it isn't explained in detail. playing tug is not what creates the dominance problem, it is what happens after tug. anytime you have a dog you have to establish a pack order. that is how dogs live, in a pack and yes even in your house. 1st you have to establish that your dog is at the bottom of the pack order. it should always go family then dog. for exaple you eat then she/he eats. all toys are your toys and your dog only plays with them when you say he can. don't leave toys lying around. put them up and then when you want to play then take them out. when you play tug you keep it fun and NEVER put stress on the dog, keep it in prey drive. when you are done you put the toys up again. EVERYTHING should be about you and when you say it is ok. If you leave tugs lying around and play when she/he wants then it has turned into the dog is the boss and tells you when it is time to play. think of this, with a child you tell the child when it is time to eat, play, sleep, ect. If it was the other way then the child would be the one in charge right? will it is the same with dogs. Everything is about you and you doing it when you want to not when the dog wants to. again the biggest thing is establishing the you are the pack leader. If at anytime the dog trys to challenge you for postion you let the dog know quick fast and in a hurry that was an extremely stupid thing to do and you are the "big cheese".

Hope this helps.

Thanks for the response Jason it was very helpful. I've read the info about being the pack leader but I wasn't making the connection. I was under the impression the tug games could cause dominance issues despite the correct pack behavior on the handler's part.

As long as you establish that it is your toy and you are LETTING the dog play with it you will be fine. Just make sure the dog knows that it is yours and you are being a nice boy and sharing. <img src="http://www.leerburg.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />