TUG IT

This versatile trick can also be a game and exercise for your dog. Many pet shops carry a figure-eight rubber dog toy that is a favorite with many dogs. Breeds such as the Boxer and Bull Terrier go wild over this game. A tug-of-war starts between you and your dog. Some dogs even enjoy being lifted off the ground and spun around!

Extend the figure eight toward Sheba and tell her TUG IT. Once she grabs hold of the toy, a gently pressure is applied. The harder your dog pulls, the harder you pull. After your dog is used to the command and the figure eight, you can switch to other materials. A burlap sack, once a standby at feed stores, is an excellent tool for tugging exercise. However, they are hard to find, as they are rapidly being replaced by plastic bags. If you cannot hunt down some burlap, try a clothesline. Make a circle out of the rope or, if you are handy being replaced by plastic bags. If you cannot hunt down some burlap, try a clothesline. Make a circle out of the rope or, if you are handy with rope, duplicate the figure eight. Offer Sheba the rope, saying TUG IT. To keep the game interesting, try the sack or an old piece of towel. Let Sheba tug on the material and then pull it from your hands. Most dogs will shake their prize — and you can take advantage of this, saying SHAKE IT. However, control is important. You do not want Sheba grabbing at everything that goes past her.

Be sure to practice getting her to let go on command. See the Out section in Fetch on Command (in Chapter 2.)

So far, this exercise has been more like a game than a trick.

Now you can tie a short piece of rope to a cardboard box or small wagon and tell Sheba TUG IT. Gradually add some weight to the box and encourage Sheba to TUG IT. In the winter, Sheba can do her trick outdoors and pull a sled for your children. She can even bring home a wagon full of groceries, with you walking at her side, hands free. With a little extra work, she will tug another dog’s leash and help you obedience train your next dog. Or, if you’ve taught her to read, leave this site lying around and see if she decides to teach your new dog more tricks than you taught her!

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