| Tug-Of-War | | | | dental problems, this may not be the best |
| | | | choice of games. And dog trainers are right |
| Tug-of-war is one of those games that many | | | | when it comes to some dogs. Dogs who have a |
| dog trainers will caution you against playing | | | | tendency to be aggressive or domineering with |
| with your dog. The reasoning is that it pits | | | | their people should find more cooperative |
| you against your dog and, at some point, you | | | | games to play. |
| invariably allow the dog to win, giving him | | | | |
| the idea he can best you in a battle of | | | | Keep-Away |
| strength. For some dogs, this could create | | | | |
| delusions of grandeur. Most dogs, however, | | | | Dogs love to play keep-away. You can |
| already know you are helpless against them in | | | | practically hear them giggling as you lunge |
| any war of wills. They learned that when you | | | | to grab their prize and they pull it just out |
| gave them treats from the table or allowed | | | | of reach. True, you'd be foolish to teach |
| them to push you to the little sliver of | | | | this game to a dog you want to use as a |
| mattress on the side of the bed. | | | | reliable retriever (a dog playing keep-away |
| | | | with a bird would never be invited back for a |
| However, you can preserve the illusion that | | | | day in the duck blind), but most of us don't |
| you're in control by adding a couple of | | | | have such aspirations. By using words that |
| elements to your game of tug-of-war. The way | | | | tell your dog when the game is beginning and |
| to do this is to first teach your dog to give | | | | ending, you can separate it from everyday |
| you a toy when you ask. Ask nicely "may I?" | | | | life and make it clear its not up to him to |
| and offer to exchange a treat for the toy. | | | | decide to start playing. |
| Repeat this until your dog learns to trade | | | | |
| the toy for a treat whenever you ask. Now you | | | | You can also use a special toy that is |
| have a way to end a tug-of-war game in a | | | | dedicated only to playing keep-away. Give him |
| draw, simply by asking your dog to give you | | | | that toy, say "Thief! Thief!" and give chase. |
| the toy. You also have a way to start the | | | | At first he may think you're serious and stop |
| game by using a special tug toy that you | | | | in his tracks, so you may have to combine it |
| bring out just for this game. Tell him "tug | | | | with tug-of-war or other chasing games to |
| time!" and entice him to hold on by starting | | | | build his confidence. When the game is over, |
| with gentle, quick small tugs. | | | | say "you're under arrest" and ask that he |
| | | | bring you the toy. If he does, reward him. If |
| And of course, use common sense when you play | | | | he doesn't, simply turn and walk away. Game |
| tug-of-war. Don't jerk your dog's head back | | | | over. Letting him know that even keep-away |
| and forth or up and down; neck problems are | | | | has rules helps prevent him from playing |
| not uncommon in dogs. Don't allow your dog to | | | | keep-away with your car keys when you're late |
| hang from his teeth; at least his hind feet | | | | for work. |
| should always be on the ground. If he has | | | | |