How do you teach to release a tug toy

[Mamacast]

I have started playing tug as an opportunity to teach obedience however, doesn't work so well when your dog refuses to release! I have watched this [video]http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=56TPMd2nC0A[/video] and have had about 10 sessions without much progress. I have seen that leerburg has a DVD on playing tug, has anyone had success with that? Would love to hear what has worked.

 

[Hector]

Have you tried teaching him the "leave it" or "drop it". I'd suggest starting there. I found it helpful when you play tug, just hang onto the tug and don't tug so the toy becomes boring. Wait for your dog to release and his reward is to engage in the game of tug right away. Once he gets the idea, start adding the cue "release", "out", "drop it", whatever you want.

Try these videos

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=epiNkbdrsiQ

[URL="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wkj1vqRkgZQ"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wkj1vqRkgZQ

[video=youtube;9T71666qaoc]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9T71666qaoc[/video][/URL]

 

[Hector]

[video=youtube;UzhOqSqUcco]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UzhOqSqUcco[/video]

 

[alejandro]

I use the word "YA" wich is spanish for something like "that´s enough" and means she has to stop whatever she is doing inmediatly. She learned it since she was a puppy so it was easyer.

 

[alejandro]

Sorry i think i didn´t really answer your question, for that i use positive asociation, rewarding her everytime she stoped was she was doing, i didn´t do it thinking on tug playing but it applyes just the same.

 

[DDSK]

I have always taught my dogs to release it with "Drop it"
I have taught this to all my dogs.
When you first start they dont understand or comply so you use your thumbnail and pinch the inside of their ear.
They will open their mouth and drop the object then you give them praise and treays.
They learn pretty fast usually.

 

[cookiedough39]

I used 2 different treats. With Carma it was a milkbone and spoon of peanut butter. I let her put the milkbone in her mouth then give her the "drop it" command and when she lets go I give her spoon of peanut butter. It didn't take long before she figured it out.

 

[Mamacast]

I used 2 different treats. With Carma it was a milkbone and spoon of peanut butter. I let her put the milkbone in her mouth then give her the "drop it" command and when she lets go I give her spoon of peanut butter. It didn't take long before she figured it out.

This will be my next step. I have tried the "hold it still" approach demonstrated in the video I linked to but he is able to pull me around so that's not working! I think I need to practice this with something other than a tug toy because he is so rabid about tug.

 

[cookiedough39]

Just make sure the second treat is higher value than the first to make sure your pup will drop it


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[King Leo]

Just my 2 cents you will not always have a treat I use the word OUT when something is in his mouth. Say it firm and then love him make it a big party when he listens to you if you have to say it a second time correct with a collar pull and say the command again OUT he will get it then a good boy pat the big block head again big party..

 

[Mamacast]

Just my 2 cents you will not always have a treat I use the word OUT when something is in his mouth. Say it firm and then love him make it a big party when he listens to you if you have to say it a second time correct with a collar pull and say the command again OUT he will get it then a good boy pat the big block head again big party..

We are making some progress, between alternating toys, high value treats and as you said holding a big party when it happens. I have not used any corrections yet but that may have to come.

 

[Hector]

We are making some progress, between alternating toys, high value treats and as you said holding a big party when it happens. I have not used any corrections yet but that may have to come.

I don't agree with using corrections when you haven't taught the pup what a command means, that's just unfair.

 

[Mamacast]

I don't agree with using corrections when you haven't taught the pup what a command means, that's just unfair.

No argument here....

 

[cookiedough39]

Just my 2 cents you will not always have a treat I use the word OUT when something is in his mouth. Say it firm and then love him make it a big party when he listens to you if you have to say it a second time correct with a collar pull and say the command again OUT he will get it then a good boy pat the big block head again big party..

I would hate for you to have a stubborn pup. Could end up with a broke neck.