I have a mal pup that is almost ten weeks old. When playing "chase the prey" do I release the prey item immediately when she takes a full grip, or continue to hold and tug with her? I want to be sure I am encouraging the correct behavior. Or do I not worry about any of this at this time. She usually takes a full grip on the first bite.

Thanks, Debbie

When the pup gets the full bite I would let your arms go loose and let the pup dominate the game and release first chance you get. When I say first chance you get I mean that if the pup feels it is dominating it will give a good yank and when that happens let it pull it right from your hands. I dont think it is best for the game to become more difficult when it gets the full bite because you want the pup to feel the way to WIN is by getting the full bite.

Hey Debbie,
Since I have just a little bit of insight into the type of pup you have <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> I would say if she is always gripping full then mix it up, release after 1 second, then grab the tug again and release after 3 seconds (as long as the grip doesn't change)next time 2 seconds, next time 1 second,etc.... If she gets a less than full grip, do not let her have it unless she readjusts to full. Ideally, you want the pup to counter into the tug before you release it and knowing little miss Winnie, I would say she is probably already doing that! I don't necessarily agree with not making the fight more difficult...You want the pup to have to work a little harder as her training and experience progress. Bernhard's big complaint about the way most people play tug with their dogs is that they are too easy with the dogs. Of course this is a very young pup and we don't want to make it too difficult but as she grows make her work and fight harder to get the prey item and run with her or take her into your arms...Does this help?

Thanks to you both for your reply.

Yes, she is countering into the tug, this is where I wasn't quite sure about when to give her the tug. Afraid I was releasing to quickly after she countered. Boy, I've got to get alot quicker. This girl is fast. Takes total concentration to keep up with her. So much fun!

Debbie

Debbie - Cindy is correct in her answer - the only thing I would add is not to release immediately after a counter. If the dog counters-in make it hold the grip until the new grip is calm then release.

If one releases right after a counter this can actually promote chewing in the dog. If the dog learns it wins after a counter and it then does not win after a counter - it will counter and counter and counter - when that happens its called chewing. So always reward when the grip is the calmest.

My last reply was geared towards a young puppy.While I am in complete agreement with Ed on not realeasing to soon after the full bite takes place, people do cause chewy grips this way.When I say let the arms go loose I am not implying just going dead. My point being when the pup gets the full bite , I feel the strength should leave your arms and the movement/game is still on a little longer.I think the pup should feel the power it suddenly has over the game when the full bite is there. This builds confidence wich counters chewy grips.For the person to continue to dominate the game and step it up could be teaching the pup to hang on for the ride, wich isnt bad, but I like the pup to feel like it has become powerful with the fullbite and can really sling me around and dominate me.This has been what Ive been doing lately and I like what Ive been seeing.

We are working on being calm ! She tends to re-grip when I try to stroke or pet her. I'm sure that will get better with age. My main concern is to reinforce the desirable behavior right now. My timing is a little off! She is about to start teething so will probably back off for a while.

Thanks to you all,
Debbie

hey debbie , thanks for bringing this up , it's right where hector and i are . one thing i noticed ,( and got from the flinks tape ) is to make sure you approach the dog , guide him in , from the side . i find any time you are face to face there is conflict : mouthy grip . i bring him in , short pet praise , then re-engage the game .