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Don't play tug?
Posted: Thu Apr 26, 2018 6:15 pm
by centrop67
Stolen from the Non-Working Dutch Shepherd Facebook page...
(Sorry Tareena, but it's worth sharing).
Someone over on the NWDS FB page posted:
Our breeder told us not to play tug with our dog because it might encourage the dog to start biting or something along those lines.
This sounds ridiculous to me.
What say you?
Re: Don't play tug?
Posted: Thu Apr 26, 2018 7:12 pm
by Flaro1522
I play with my dog once a day at least. It's his favorite thing to do and it makes him happy. I also let him win almost every time. He hangs on too well to the tug and I have no interest on tugging for 15 minutes straight without him outing once. It tires him out better than anything, with the exception of training...but tug takes much less time. He has never once been aggressive toward me, my sons, or my wife. In fact, I think he listens better after. Seems like it increases the bond we have. That's just my 2 cents. I'm definitely no expert.
Re: Don't play tug?
Posted: Thu Apr 26, 2018 9:25 pm
by Dutchringgirl
Re: Don't play tug?
Posted: Thu Apr 26, 2018 11:16 pm
by Steve Gossmeyer
That breeder shouldn't be breeding dutch shitters then
Re: Don't play tug?
Posted: Thu Apr 26, 2018 11:43 pm
by Joxgirl
I’ve heard not to play tug because it teaches them to be aggressive.
I play tug with Rogue.
Re: Don't play tug?
Posted: Fri Apr 27, 2018 2:57 am
by oddbird
Joxgirl wrote: ↑Thu Apr 26, 2018 11:43 pm
I’ve heard not to play tug because it teaches them to be aggressive.
I play tug with Rogue.
I’ve heard the same thing but literally just tonight was reading in Mike Ritland’s book that he believes in playing tug with dogs, as long as you start and stop the play. His thoughts on it are that dogs that get to have that “release” in a channeled/controlled outlet like that are far less likely to try and act out that same drive in less appropriate ways. So, right after I finished the book I played a game of tug with my little Monster. He did far better with bite inhibition on my arms/hands (we need a longer tug!) than I anticipated and he seemed to enjoy it.
Re: Don't play tug?
Posted: Fri Apr 27, 2018 10:16 am
by Dutchringgirl
Yes, that may have been the point the trainer tried to make but did not do so well. If your dog knows out and listens, then tug is the best, but if they are not trained and get to wound up and wont out and just keep winding up, then you will have a problem.
Re: Don't play tug?
Posted: Fri Apr 27, 2018 10:44 am
by Joxgirl
What type of tug do you all use?
Re: Don't play tug?
Posted: Fri Apr 27, 2018 4:45 pm
by Tennessee3
Joxgirl wrote: ↑Fri Apr 27, 2018 10:44 am
What type of tug do you all use?
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00I3PSD ... 43706&sr=1
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B009946J ... 43819&sr=1
Pocket tug toy for convenience and quick rewards, but for extended play the two handle is a must. Unless you’re just dying to know what shoulder surgery or a broken finger feels like
Re: Don't play tug?
Posted: Sat Apr 28, 2018 1:15 am
by Joxgirl
Currently we use a rope but I want to get an actual tug toy
Re: Don't play tug?
Posted: Sat Apr 28, 2018 1:17 am
by Joxgirl
I’m going to buy the two handle one right now off of Amazon smile
Re: Don't play tug?
Posted: Sat Apr 28, 2018 10:40 pm
by TimL_168
Just got a real nice two handle bit pillow from ALM last month. Been meaning to post pics. It's great, but not convenient to transport.
Re: Don't play tug?
Posted: Sat Apr 28, 2018 10:43 pm
by TimL_168
Also...using the tug has been the single most useful tool for building engagement in all of my dogs. Dogs like ours would most likely be uncontrolled psychos without basic engagement.
Re: Don't play tug?
Posted: Sun Apr 29, 2018 12:49 pm
by oddbird
spartan wrote: ↑Sat Apr 28, 2018 11:26 pm
oddbird wrote: ↑Fri Apr 27, 2018 2:57 am
Joxgirl wrote: ↑Thu Apr 26, 2018 11:43 pm
I’ve heard not to play tug because it teaches them to be aggressive.
I play tug with Rogue.
I’ve heard the same thing but literally just tonight was reading in Mike Ritland’s book that he believes in playing tug with dogs, as long as you start and stop the play. His thoughts on it are that dogs that get to have that “release” in a channeled/controlled outlet like that are far less likely to try and act out that same drive in less appropriate ways. So, right after I finished the book I played a game of tug with my little Monster. He did far better with bite inhibition on my arms/hands (we need a longer tug!) than I anticipated and he seemed to enjoy it.
Hello which M Ritland book ?
It was in Team Dog, more towards the end of the book. It’s a super easy read.