I have just completed the Michael Ellis Tug DVD and am having great success tugging with one of my Miniature Schnauzers, "Flash." He has great energy and a good start on the Out command.
My 2nd Miniature Schnauzer, 11 months old "Turbo", seems to have prey drive, because he will chase the tug around the room, and pounce and hold it with his feet. But, he barely grips it with his teeth. He has always been enthusiastic when I play fetch with him and Flash.
Turbo's grip is so weak, I can't even begin a tug session. It is such a great bonding experience for Flash, I really want Turbo to tug also.
I would appreciate any insight you can give me on getting Turbo to grip the tug. Turbo has great food drive, so I can easily train with that, but I want him to tug.
Wayne,
I take it you've checked his teeth, mouth and gums for any problems there.
Did you or have you tried strating him out with a rag/towel? From there you can progress to a suede leather rag and on to the tug after he gets the idea that biting is a good thing.
Keep in mind though, some dogs just aren't cut out for it no matter what we think they should want.
If my dog it's learning, I'm doing something wrong.
Niomi Smith Webboard User Reg: 04-20-2009
Posts: 786
Loc: Whitehorse, Yukon
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Also, make sure you let him "win" the tug at first. So, build his confidence by letting him get the tug and carry it while you hold the leash so he can't get away. Start like Randy said, with a rag and move up. Did you start him with a rag when he was younger or just straight to a tug?
Like Randy said sometimes even though you would really like the dog to tug, doesn't mean they can do it.
With that said, there is nothing wrong with just having fun playing with your dog, not necessarily tugging to tug.
Thanks for the replies. I use the Leerburg Furry Fleece tug and 18" Fleece Tug. Those are Flash's favorite. I also tried a soft toy Turbo has played with around the house.
He does best with the 18" Fleece Tug. It has about 3 inches of fleece rag hanging out after the knot, and that is what Turbo bites best.
That fleece rag part of the tug is a lot like a cloth rag, so I think it is a great idea to work Turbo with a cloth rag then a suede rag and build up to the tug more slowly.
I cannot see any problem in Turbo's mouth that might cause a problem, and he eats with gusto, so I don't think it is a physical ailment.
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Grip Problem
#271764 - 04/05/2010 12:52 PM 
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