Just wondering

So I got alot of great addvice yesterday about Deija's agressiveness. So Now What I would like to know is does any one have any addvice on play? Is tug of war good? bad? Rough houseing a good thing or bad? Anyone have any play games they would like to share?? Thank you for the warm welcome I just love this site.

Hi There,
Im a new mum, and Ive tried to stay clear of tug, as it isnt good with some other dogs when socialising.
Sookie tends to play growl and some dogs can take this as aggressive.
It seems to have worked for me

I like tug and think it's great exercise. I also think rough play is okay. With both you have to start the play and decide when to end it.

Mind games such as seek and other training exercises are also great ideas.

I've never had a problem with playing tug. But you do need to be able to win more times than you lose - and with a staff, the only way you can do that is by teaching a strong "Leave!".

As long as you are in control, playing rough is ok as well. Again, you need to be able to train your dog to stop when you want, not when he wants!

If you finish a game, though, no matter what it is, try to end with a little basic obedience so that you can regain full control, and the dog can do something to get praise.

we were told by a behaviourist not to play tug cos if you loose the dog will think they have th upper hand but then again i think it depends on your dog. we won't play tug with lottie cos she is our rescue and although she is doing relly well we dont want her to get the upper hand and think she can rule the roost cos this won't do her or us any good she is happy as she is. tug is left to her and lemmy to play together. we play other games like fetch hide and seek chase and hunt the toy or treat.

yes i said hide and seek. you hide and shout the dog and just watch their face when they find you or you jump out and surprise them. lemmy loves that game.

_julie_ wrote:we were told by a behaviourist not to play tug cos if you loose the dog will think they have th upper hand

That's why, I think, you need to teach a good, strong 'leave' command. That way, if you feel you're going to lose, you cheat!

Caryll wrote:

_julie_ wrote:we were told by a behaviourist not to play tug cos if you loose the dog will think they have th upper hand

That's why, I think, you need to teach a good, strong 'leave' command. That way, if you feel you're going to lose, you cheat!

caryll remind me never to play with you CHEATING really

_julie_ wrote:
caryll remind me never to play with you CHEATING really

> > >

Great advice as usual Caryll.

All games are good things and great relationship builders! But - you need to learn how much is too much (for your dog) and how to calm him or her back down. Never make your dog more excited than that you know you can calm him/her down afterwards. Having a dog that associates being around you with FUN is very helpful.

I've taught my puppy two release commands - "thank you" and me just going passive so if I stop tugging he'll let go of the toy. He's also not allowed to take a toy without permission - but I'll try to always let him win when he's really putting in an effort. I mean.. would you keep playing with someone who never let you win? I want him to really love it, so make sure he's rewarded for extra good effort.

I try to avoid any tugging or games that seems like i'm challenging him.
I play hide the sausage with Cali, I get a frankfurter and hide little pieces around the house and tell him to find them, he really enjoys the game and it gets him using his nose to sniff them out and he looks so cute sniffing away. He can sometimes take up to 30min to find them all.
Good game its one of his favorites. Give it a try hope Deija likes it.

im a new puppy mummy aswel but Buzz loves playing tug and understands us when we say "Drop" every staff owner i no plays tug with there puppy\dog, just supose everyone has there own differences and opinions..

Aniemother wrote:I've taught my puppy two release commands - "thank you" and me just going passive so if I stop tugging he'll let go of the toy. He's also not allowed to take a toy without permission - but I'll try to always let him win when he's really putting in an effort. I mean.. would you keep playing with someone who never let you win? I want him to really love it, so make sure he's rewarded for extra good effort.

Excellent point. You have to teach a good out, but tug can also be a great reward. Occasional wins are good to keep interest. One sign you are tugging correctly is that they never get to keep the tug and they always want to play with you and not just take the toy and run. Tug is a game that can be done incorrectly, so if you are uncomfortable or aren't going to play correctly, maybe it isn't good for you. However, if done properly, it can be very bonding and reinforces your control in a positive way.