I adopted a 6-7 year old boxer-bull mastiff mix from a rescue last summer. I recently broke my foot and can't take him on his usual extended walks while it heals. I've been unsuccessfully trying to get him to play tug with me as another form of exercise.
I watched the streaming Michael Ellis videos on Leerburg's site, and tried to pick up a few tips from it. I act really interested and excited in the tug toy. I praise him for putting it in his mouth. I keep it hidden behind by back before we start trying to play. Does anyone have any suggestions to get him to play?
A bit about my dog: I've bought him several different types of toys, but he's never been interested in them. He likes to run around with me in the yard, but when I introduce a foreign object, he doesn't know what to do with it. He is food motivated, but I thought giving him treats to hold the tug might be counter productive. Any ideas?
Ana Kozlowsky Webboard User Reg: 01-21-2010
Posts: 1049
Loc:
Offline
Thomas, you might want to try approaching this problem as if the dog was a puppy: softer squeaky floppy toys are better, it is also useful to attach the toy to a line - this makes it easier for you to make the prey move freely in a more natural way. When your hands are not on the toy it becomes less about competing with you and more about the pure fun of chasing the prey. Hiding the toy is not usually recommended - it should be all about fair play and not teasing and slight of hand. You don't know the history of your dog so it makes sense to put extra emphasis on building trust and mutual respect.
There are a lot of puppy tug toys and videos on this website that you might find very useful.
I'm teaching my puppy to tug right now and I have some interesting info for you! First of all, I would recommend snagging Michael Ellis's How to play tug dvd. It's amazing. Second measure your dogs mouth and then base that on the tug you buy. My puppy loves his synthetic one, he's got the 8inch puppy tug on this site. Lastly you have to really build his drive up. I took an old towel and worked my puppy like Ellis does with a leather bite rag. It took a while but he is starting to really hold on tight and enjoy himself with the real tug. PM if you wanna chat more about it! This is just my opinion because my puppy is the first dog Ive ever tugged with. There's lots of very good dog trainers on this board!
Melissa Thom Webboard User Reg: 12-04-2007
Posts: 2781
Loc: Upper Left hand corner, USA
Offline
I had great luck with getting my elderly spaniel to play with the crazy critters toys that are "as seen on tv." They're pretty durable, they have squeakers in both ends, and they act like a rag when you shake them. They are not a toy that I'd just let a mastiff mix really get into ripping on (although my lab does enjoy them too) but she would be good for a grab, a victory lap, and a good head shake.
Thanks for the good ideas. Since he doesn't show any interest in toys, I think starting him with a squeaky/plush toy is a good first step. If he doesn't show any interest in these toys at first, any ideas about how get him excited about it? He doesn't have a very strong prey drive.
When purchasing any product from Leerburg Enterprises, Inc. it is understood
that any and all products sold by Leerburg Enterprises, Inc. are sold in Dunn
County Wisconsin, USA. Any and all legal action taken against Leerburg Enterprises,
Inc. concerning the purchase or use of these products must take place in Dunn
County, Wisconsin. If customers do not agree with this policy they should not
purchase Leerburg Ent. Inc. products.
Dog Training is never without risk of injury. Do not use any of the products
sold by Leerburg Enterprises, Inc. without consulting a local professional.
The training methods shown in the Leerburg Ent. Inc. DVD’s are meant
to be used with a local instructor or trainer. Leerburg Enterprises, Inc. cannot
be held responsible for accidents or injuries to humans and/or animals.
Copyright 2010 Leerburg® Enterprises, Inc. All rights reserved. All photos and content on leerburg.com are part of a registered copyright owned by Leerburg Enterprise, Inc.
By accessing any information within Leerburg.com, you agree to abide by the
Leerburg.com Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Teaching an Older Dog to Tug
Top
Previous Topic
Index
Next Topic
.jpg)
