The Best Way to Play

If you’re looking to increase your dog’s happiness, develop more attention to you, and strengthen the bond between you and your dog, play training is the solution! 

While play may not come easy to some dogs, or some handlers, it is an amazing way to reward your dog! 

Firstly, we must utilize an appropriate toy for your dog. For dogs with lower prey drive or limited willingness to play, a softer toy such as a rag or sheepskin tug would be a great start. On the other hand, dogs that love toys and play already can utilize a tug toy or ball on a rope as suitable options.

To begin, we suggest having your dog in a calm, quiet environment, such as a crate or a room for a few minutes to create eagerness to connect. 

1. Start the session with a leash and collar on your dog – this will encourage your dog to stay engaged with you instead of running away with the toy 
2. Begin teasing the dog by running back and forth, and side to side with the toy in your hand 
3. Next, flick the toy back and forth, towards and away from the dog while offering verbal encouragement (“get it!”, “ya!”, “there you go!”). Even making some animalistic noises, such as kissing noises or clicking, can stimulate more chase and interest in your dog
4. Once your dog is showing good interest and speed, slow down your movements to allow your dog to bite the toy
5. Now that they are biting the toy, release the toy and grab the leash while simultaneously petting your dog on the sides and back of the body
6. Try to steal the toy away and repeat play (step 3 & 4). Once the dog understands and begins the game of tug, try to increase the duration of the dog tugging!

Key tips!

• The rabbit never jumps in the wolf’s mouth – so never give it to the dog! Encourage your dog to chase the toy and be rewarded by “catching” the rabbit (toy)
• Selecting an appropriate toy for your dog is pivotal! Start with softer and move up gradually
• Playing tug with puppies is a great way to bond, but be gentle during tug while they are teething

Tug-of-war should only be used with dogs that do not have dominance issues and with handlers that have control over their dog’s arousal.