Update: Progress on Tug Training

[centrop67]

Consistent training is paying off.

Radar's outs are immediate and consistent throughout training sessions (more than 3 now).

In fact, he not only outs, but has decided to punch the tug into my gut on release. I am not sure if that's desirable behavior, but it's worlds above his outs before I started.

I very happy about his focus when the tug is around.

For those in the know, do you think I should try to use the tug for some anti-reactivity training? I am thinking about how BAT training teaches getting focus just prior to threshold, and I am wondering if the tug would be a means towards that end.

[TimL_168]

Just my two cents
I've been using En's tracking training to avoid her going nuts around other dogs along the trails we run on. The upside is that she instantly snaps to attention and lurches off trail in search of a deer trail.
The downside is there's a LOT of deer there, and she's almost always on a trail that I end up having to pull her off of.

[ICE]

If your dog loves tug - yes, use it. I use it all the time - especially in agility. We have to maneuver around dogs in tight spaces getting on and off the agility course. I keep him tugging and I watch the other dogs for him. As it should be.

[TimL_168]

If your dog loves tug - yes, use it. I use it all the time - especially in agility. We have to maneuver around dogs in tight spaces getting on and off the agility course. I keep him tugging and I watch the other dogs for him. As it should be.

[Dutchringgirl]

In fact, he not only outs, but has decided to punch the tug into my gut on release. I am not sure if that's desirable behavior, but it's worlds above his outs before I started.

if it is not what you are asking for.... then it is an undesirable action


Sounds great though !!!

[Steve Gossmeyer]

Buy Ivan balovanovs dvd series it shows you how to play tug with your dog it’s sound to me like this is what you need

[centrop67]

Thanks Steve. I will check that out.

I have watched several videos on playing tug. I can't remember which one, but I do remember one where the person in the video says that I should expect the dog to forcefully push the tug back to me if I let go.

I really need to heed the great advice of hiring a trainer. I had a behaviorist early on with Radar, though she was unfamiliar with the breed. I certainly have the means and desire to get things right with Radar.

My problem is trust. It's very much like putting my kid in the hands of another person. I don't have kids, but I know I'd be wary of the situation.

The local Shutzhund club here isn't so local for me (~30 miles). I've reached out to other clubs, but they don't seem to have the same atmosphere I am looking for to socialize with other protection dog owners. There's also a language issue for me locally in Miami - my Spanish is poor at best.

The bottom line is that Radar is doing quite well - certainly not perfect, and definitely not the best he could be, but I prefer that to damage that might be caused with the wrong trainer.

[Steve Gossmeyer]

Thanks Steve. I will check that out.

I have watched several videos on playing tug. I can't remember which one, but I do remember one where the person in the video says that I should expect the dog to forcefully push the tug back to me if I let go.

I really need to heed the great advice of hiring a trainer. I had a behaviorist early on with Radar, though she was unfamiliar with the breed. I certainly have the means and desire to get things right with Radar.

My problem is trust. It's very much like putting my kid in the hands of another person. I don't have kids, but I know I'd be wary of the situation.

The local Shutzhund club here isn't so local for me (~30 miles). I've reached out to other clubs, but they don't seem to have the same atmosphere I am looking for to socialize with other protection dog owners. There's also a language issue for me locally in Miami - my Spanish is poor at best.

The bottom line is that Radar is doing quite well - certainly not perfect, and definitely not the best he could be, but I prefer that to damage that might be caused with the wrong trainer.

Yoda was taught as soon as I drop the ball to engage me right away aka shove the ball back at me... I like this for competition obedience play it makes the dog confident and that’s how you know the dog is all about you and not what else is going on around you! I’d say keep up with that!!!! The dog is truley playing and having fun with you and staying focused this way!!! Plus it builds a solid relationship when the dog trust you are going to give it back and wants to engage!

[Dutchringgirl]

sadie shoves her toys in my stomach, I never taught her to do that, Its pretty funny actually.