When I go to puppy/agility class I spend half the class rewarding him with tug of war instead of food. If you have a suitable toy, and know your dog, you can play pretty "rough" without hurting him. Harley has learned to follow my hand, so it looks like I'm tugging on him, but I'm really only guiding him around the floor with the toy. I've also taught him to play growl when we play tug. Just make sure if you start playing tug that you have a good "drop it" cue. A tug game should be completely controlled by you, and the dog should only "win" a few times, so that you don't teach the dog a fun game of take the toy and get chased. in case the dog was ever to pick up something they can't tug. For Harley some days it is a better attention getter than food. I've been using tugs to teach him heel, etc.
__________________ Kendra Harley, you were the light in my life, rest peacefully my love! |