Struggling with a simple game
My dog really likes to play tug. Some people have suggested that tug is a dangerous game — that it will make my dog think he is dominant. With time, dominant dogs become aggressive. Should I stop playing tug with my dog?
There is no evidence that suggests that playing tug will cause aggression. Friendly dogs are not becoming aggressive as a direct consequence of playing. Dog-sports participants often use tug as a reward for agility and fly ball. Scenting detection also makes use of tug toys when the dog finds an illegal substance. Many professional handlers use tug every day without incident.
It is more likely that dogs that already have behaviour problems are reacting when someone tries to remove a toy from their mouth. Tug didn’t cause the problem, but it can expose a problem. Suggesting that play causes aggression is like saying kick-boxing classes turn people into violent offenders. If a dog is friendly, there is no reason to fear teaching this game.
Control is required if this game is to be played safely. Begin by teaching dogs to drop toys and stop playing when asked. Practice this skill until the dog drops any toy, even if in the middle of an intense game.
Also teach dogs to wait patiently, ignoring all toys unless told that they can have them. Dogs should not be lunging up and grabbing toys impulsively. Extend this lesson so they learn to ignore objects that could be mistaken for toys, such as leashes, scarves or children’s toys. The rule is “no grabbing.”
Finally, create jaw control by teaching the dog to aim better with his mouth. Only continue with play if he keeps his teeth firmly on the toy. End the play session briefly if his teeth accidentally touch clothes or skin.
Once dogs learn the rules, put the tug game to good use. Keep a small tug toy in a pocket. Owners can thus always have a reward handy to reinforce good behaviour. Teaching tug is well worth the effort. Like all games, there needs to be rules. It is up to owners to spend some time teaching them. We taught our dog to ring a bell to go outside. This way, if he has to go to the bathroom, he has a way of telling us. Now he rings the bell repeatedly because he wants to go outside to play. How do we stop the incessant ringing?
Teaching a dog to ring a bell to go outside is great idea, but only if the dog realizes that it is for bathroom requests only. Most dogs will try to ring a bell in order to go play. You cannot really blame them for trying.
Once dogs demonstrate that they understand the concept of ringing the bell, put some limitations on its use. Do not allow the dog to rush out and play. Take them out on leash instead. Wait for them to go to the bathroom. Reward them for eliminating with a treat and then give free play if appropriate. This teaches them to go to the bathroom as soon as they are taken outside.
If after a few minutes the dog does not go, bring them back inside. Supervise them closely to prevent accidents. Offer more opportunities to go outside as required.
Dogs learn from consequences. Control the consequences to ensure that the dog learns that bells are for potty breaks only. Yvette Van Veen is an animal behaviour consultant. Write her at advice@ awesomedogs.ca