Holding the tug/sleeve

[Sansano]

Hey Folks. Looking for little advice. I am having some trouble with Baggio holding on to the tug when we play. He grabs it no problem and will play with me but drop it soon after 'winning'. He loves to play the game but doesn't want to hold it after it's over. Same goes for the sleeve when we do bite work. How can I increase him holding onto it and do you think it is absolutely necessary?

Mike

[laurlitt]

Originally Posted by Sansano

Hey Folks. Looking for little advice. I am having some trouble with Baggio holding on to the tug when we play. He grabs it no problem and will play with me but drop it soon after 'winning'. He loves to play the game but doesn't want to hold it after it's over. Same goes for the sleeve when we do bite work. How can I increase him holding onto it and do you think it is absolutely necessary?

Mike

At the point when he 'drops' it are you no longer holding on to part of it (i.e. is he running loose with it or sitting/laying down w/ it)? I would let him win but still have tension on the tug/sleeve by attaching a leash to it. Maybe run w/ him in a circle while holding onto the tug line and give slight tension so he's winning, but still having to hold on.

Without knowing the dog or the training situation, I'd say that it is important to instill the behavior of wanting to hold on. Carrying/holding the sleeve calmly after fighting for it is a great way for him to win and release the stress that he may have dealt with during the biting.

If you want him to learn he needs to hold on then if he spits it out I'd stop the game and put him away. Again, hard to say without seeing the whole picture.

[Sansano]

Originally Posted by laurlitt

At the point when he 'drops' it are you no longer holding on to part of it (i.e. is he running loose with it or sitting/laying down w/ it)? I would let him win but still have tension on the tug/sleeve by attaching a leash to it. Maybe run w/ him in a circle while holding onto the tug line and give slight tension so he's winning, but still having to hold on.

Without knowing the dog or the training situation, I'd say that it is important to instill the behavior of wanting to hold on. Carrying/holding the sleeve calmly after fighting for it is a great way for him to win and release the stress that he may have dealt with during the biting.

If you want him to learn he needs to hold on then if he spits it out I'd stop the game and put him away. Again, hard to say without seeing the whole picture.

You are correct. The sleeve or tug is dropped once the tension is released. I do the circle thing with when I have the sleeve but one I stop running, again it comes out. I will try 'ending' the game when we play tug if he doesn't hold. Thanks for your input. :)