Is "Bite Inhibition Training" undermined by "Tug-of-War" games & pull-toy play?

[ayoitzrimz]

First, let me say that I'm a big fan of playing tug with my dog. It is a great reward and play object and we use it daily for training. And this is common (using a tug-of-war as a reward) among owners of "drivey" breeds as it is (at least for my dog) a higher value reward than any treat I can offer him.

With that said, while I don't think playing tug will make your dog aggressive (like people say - incorrectly) I do think it can make a dog "pushy" if you encourage those behaviors - things like nipping on your hands while tugging (he should learn that touching the hands or clothes means the game is over and should mind your space), not outing when told, being pushy and demanding in the house by picking up a tug toy and bothering you to play, etc - so just be careful of what you encourage and what you prohibit.

As far as a puppy goes, like someone else said I love using a tug to redirect any nipping because it doesn't involve physical punishment or even a time-out, and the dogs learn quickly what gives them reward (the tug) and what doesn't (your hands and feet).

Bottom line, I would recommend these ideas (in this order):
1. Get a trainer that can teach you the "rules" of tug
2. Watch the Ivan Balabanov Obedience Without Conflict DVDs 1 and 2 or the Michael Ellis The Power Of Playing Tug with your Dog
3. Watch videos online or ask around how to properly play tug.

Again, tug is not going to make your dog an aggressive (wo)man-eater but it can lead to pushy, demanding behaviors which you don't want to encourage (they are a pain to eliminate later and can lead to the dog being more pushy with other things). Not to discourage you, just wanted to add to the wealth of information that's already been given

[Beverly]

Thank you so much for identifying the pro's and con's of tug play, with the emphasis on the pro's. And, thank you for providing resources for further reading and study on this important form of play and training. I found the book I referenced online, and have only read the "highlights," as they pertain to the German Shepherd dog. I'm tempted to order it as an excuse for a nice bonfire!

[cliffson1]

That person should not be writing books or articles on German Shepherds.....period. FiFi maybe....but GS....nooooooooo!

[Cassidy's Mom]

I wish I'd done more tug work with Halo when she was younger. She's taken to it now very well, but she's so food driven that I used food rewards almost exclusively in her puppy training. It's a great way to channel drives in an appropriate way, and for teaching impulse control.

[Mrs.K]

Originally Posted by Cassidy's Mom

I wish I'd done more tug work with Halo when she was younger. She's taken to it now very well, but she's so food driven that I used food rewards almost exclusively in her puppy training. It's a great way to channel drives in an appropriate way, and for teaching impulse control.

I wished I would have used more food when Indra was a puppy. I've done the same mistake you did, just the other way around.