Go Ahead, Play With Your Dog!

Go Ahead, Play With Your Dog!

by Amanda Abresch, B.S., ABCDT, APDT, CPDT-KA

I am a firm believer that just about every dog out there can fetch or play tug. Why? Because they are natural games for dogs to play. I’m not just talking about breed-specific traits here; I am telling you that the instinct to run after an item and bring it back to a safe place and the instinct to grab one end of something and pull it are normal things for all dogs. The exceptions are primarily those dogs who are physically limited from such activities. My dog, for example, used to LOVE playing tug. Now that she is older and needs some dental work, she isn’t as motivated by it. It’s probably more uncomfortable than fun, so she doesn’t do it as much as she used to. When I meet a dog, and their human tells me their dog doesn’t like to fetch, I wonder what else is going on.

Is there pain somewhere that the human is unaware of? (Don’t feel bad; they are good at hiding it from us.) Is there something in the environment that makes the dog feel uneasy and, therefore, unwilling to play and have fun? (Like another pet who resource guards or a history of the game not being fun?)

Is the dog just uneasy or anxious in general due to genetics and/or early environment? (Sorry, you don’t usually have much control over those.) Does the human always need to “win”, making the game less fun for the dog?

Those are just the most common reasons. One dog I knew didn’t like playing fetch, and it turns out he didn’t like playing fetch outside because there were sandburs in the middle of the yard, and he didn’t want to run into a patch. Once we practiced in an indoor space and a local park without that type of grass, we found out he actually loved it. Anyway, my point is this: if your dog doesn’t like playing fetch or tug, you are missing out, and so is your pup! They are such fun games that are good for building your bond and are something to use as a reward for good behavior. Yup, if you find a game your dog loves, it can be used as a reinforcer (a reward) for your dog doing something well. If you watch agility competitions, you will often see that at the end of the course, many dogs get a 30-second game of tug as a reward for completing the course (I told you treats weren’t always necessary). For this to work, you must make these games fun.

I know what you are thinking: “I read online that playing tug will cause my dog to be aggressive,” or “I don’t want my dog to fetch things because he already steals my shoes- won’t it become a game?” I am here to tell you with all certainty that I have never seen a dog “turn” aggressive after playing tug in all my years. I have seen a few resource-guarding dogs get worse over time and with the introduction of a new, exciting stimulus.

Let’s be honest, if your dog likes to steal your slippers and he learns to steal them and bring them to you instead of chewing them up or burying them in the yard, isn’t that solving part of the problem? I agree that the slipper shouldn’t be stolen in the first place, but if your dog brings it to you happily, your biggest problem is now slobbery slippers- not lost or Swiss-cheese-resembling slippers.

The best part? We teach your dog to drop the item on cue! They learn that dropping the item doesn’t mean an end to their fun since it’s always part of the game. All too often, we fall into this mindset of “needing to win” the game of fetch or tug with your dog, which makes absolutely no sense to me. I don’t have such a big ego that I need to win every game I play with my dog, and neither should you. It’s pointless.

So, here you have it, instructions on teaching your dog to fetch and to play tug.

Fetch

Why: It’s so much fun! Fetch is one of the best games you can play with your dog; it helps them burn off energy, gives them a task to do, and reinforces them returning to you! My favorite part of having a dog who can (and will retrieve and return) an item is that it’s great practice for trading something and dropping something valuable on cue. This is especially handy for pups who like to steal, as they can learn that coming to you with an item is part of a game- not an end to the fun.

What: You toss a toy, your dog retrieves it and brings it back, repeated until your dog is thoroughly tired!

•pocket/pouch full of treats •hungry dog •15-20 foot leash, attached to a collar or harness •quiet, comfortable area with room to toss a ball •ball or another toy that can be tossed by you and carried easily by your dog •patience!

How:

1. Start with a toy you know your dog loves and your dog on a leash next to or in front of you.

2. Be sure the dog is focused on the toy- wave it in front of his/her face; if it has a squeaker, make it squeak. Once the dog is focused on the toy, toss it a few feet away from both of you.

3. If the dog goes and retrieves it, say “fetch” as they grab it and encourage them to return to you.

4. Once they return to you, be ready with a tasty enclosed in your hand, held in front of their nose- once they drop the toy, say “drop it”, click and treat and grab the toy to toss it again.

5. If your dog does not chase after the toy, you should chase after it, making it seem like such a fun game so that your dog wants to mimic you. It may take a few tries, but your dog will get the hang of it and chase the toy while you stand still.

6. Repeat, gradually increase the distance you toss the toy.

7. As your dog is consistently trading the toy for a treat, with “drop it” begin to give treats randomly.

Tips:

When first working this behavior, keep your dog on a leash in case it does not want to return to you; if it does not want to bring the toy back, give a gentle tug and encourage him/her to return. Even dogs who do not retrieve naturally can be taught to play fetch. It just takes patience and time from you!

More:

As your dog improves and consistently returns the toy and drops it, you can remove the leash and increase the distance you throw it. Once you are ready to go outdoors with this activity, keep the dog on leash until he/she is consistently performing in the new distracting environment.

Tug

Why: It’s fun! This game helps your dog get an excellent full-body workout, play a game with you, and learn some impulse control. By making tug a game with rules and a solid cue for dropping the item, this can help in real-life situations when your dog has something he wants. By having a way to end the game, you can get your dog to drop that sock the next time he grabs it.

What: Your dog brings you a toy so you can hold one end, and you each pull it back and forth.

•pocket/pouch full of treats •quiet, comfortable area with room to move around •one of your dog’s favorite toys that is long enough for you to each hold an end •patience!

How:

1. Start with a toy you know your dog loves and your dog on a leash next to or in front of you.

2. Be sure the dog is focused on the toy- wave it in front of his/her face. If it has a squeaker, make it squeak. Once the dog is focused on the toy, let them grab and hold one end of it while you hold the other.

3. Gently pull the toy in your direction, then let your dog pull it in their direction.

4. Talk to your dog and pet them while you play this game, so they remember that it’s a fun game with you and that handling is ok when excited. 

5. Discreetly get a treat in one hand while playing tug, or start out with a treat in one hand. Bring that closed hand to your dog’s face and let them