What can I do to encourage a puppy that grabs the tug with a firm grip when it's low but when the tug is placed high he'll just jump and bump it with his head or with his paws? when he does bite it there is no grip.

How old is he? Sounds like he's not ready for it yet. Let him build his grip and confidence lower to the ground for now.

Are you giving him corrections for jumping up and biting you? How old is he?

He is 5 months old, and yes he's been corrected when he jumps and puts his paws on people. Should I stop doing it?

He's five months old?

Don't worry about it. Just put the tug where he can get it without jumping.

 Quote: Luis_Gutiérrez

He is 5 months old, and yes he's been corrected when he jumps and puts his paws on people. Should I stop doing it?

Well, he is a little young yet for working up high. He may be a little conflicted because of the corrections. I would continue not allowing him to jump up on you. Just keep it low till he understands the difference. Slowly work him higher as he ages.

Howard

 Quote:

He is 5 months old, and yes he's been corrected when he jumps and puts his paws on people. Should I stop doing it?

A pup only has so much mental capacity for situational reasoning. If you want him to do something sometimes, but not other times, the pup will get confused.

While I wouldn't correct for a 5 month old (working) pup jumping up (it can be discouraged other ways), it likely hasn't got all that much to do with weak grips higher up. Not all dogs are born with super strong jaw muscles. It takes a combination of strength and confidence for a dog to hold on with a tug raised up high. If either are lacking, then you need to work on it and build it up.

If the tug isn't moving then it's also a lot less interesting, so just holding it up high and hoping the pup will dangle from it is a lot to ask from most pups. If you want him to learn to target higher, then tease tease tease, then have the tug slightly high so he has to lift front paws off the ground to get it, then immediately reward by letting go of the tug. As he gets better and leaving the ground for it, then immediately bring his paws back to the ground and "fight" him while his paws are all down. You can then gradually step this up with quickly going side to side with the tug while his paws are off the ground and then immediately setting him down on the ground to let his grip firm up and reward. Gradually extend these things until you can swing him all the way around 4 paws off the ground.

Bare in mind, he is 5 months old. His teeth are brand new, if he even has all his adult teeth yet. During teething his teeth will be sore and you shouldn't tug at all. When his adult teeth are in, give the a couple months to really set in place before you get too crazy with it.

Thanks everyone for your replies, I find them very helpful.