What is push-of-war?

[Russell]

I've just seen push-of-war mentioned again and wondered what it is. My guess is a cross between pushing and tug, perhaps chasing back with a toy and jumping up? Am I anywhere near?

Russell

[neilsattin]

Hi Russell -

Yes, you're definitely on the right track. Push-of-war is a combination of pushing and tug. Once your dog is pushing enthusiastically, and playing tug enthusiastically, you can transition into push-of-war as follows.

Play some tug with your dog, and let your dog win (obviously). Encourage your dog to come back to you for more tug - either with the second tug toy, through moving away from your dog, or both. As your dog approaches you, reach out and make contact with your dog, and slowly start pushing your dog away from you. Your dog will push into you, try to get you to take the toy, etc. You can push your dog away a few times, and then either:

a. grab the toy in your dog's mouth for more tug.
b. use the 2nd toy and shift your dog's attention onto that toy
c. just run away and try to get your dog to chase you

It's fun, and another way to heighten your dog's attraction to you, while adding some variation to the games you're playing.

Good question!

[Alec]

the dog comes running but goes by me, just out of my reach and then either stops or runs back by me in the opposite direction?