Tug indoors

[David]

Hi everyone

I just have a question concerning tug of war. I'm having trouble getting my dog to play tug of war. I tried everything, all kinds of toys, toys on ropes... We are making some progress but very very slowly, he just doesn't seem interested in it. But when we are indoors, he is much more willing to play tug. Yesterday evening he even came to me with his tug toy (which someone gave him when I wasn't home), and gave me two little tugs and then went to sleep. Question is should I play tug indoors with him for now, so he eventually might grow fond of the game and be willing to play outdoors?
Thanks

[donnieo]

Hi David;

It's not that your doggie isn't "interested", it's that he feels too much resistance to you to be able to plug in and play the game. Because he's holding back so much outside, he doesn't perceive you as being the same person as you are indoors - they are two completely different emotional contexts. Inside he can plug into you, outside he sees you as PREDATOR.

If I were you, I would limit the indoor play to "damage control", as in only when your doggie is in overload (eg. barking at a passing dog or someone at the door). The rest of the time I would leave her be.

Outside, concentrate mainly on the pushing and find the softest, fluffiest toys you can find - even plush baby toys. I have a pretty soft dog and sometimes I have to get down on my knees (lowering my predatory aspect) to get her to play. At first she wouldn't tug at all but now she gets really animated.

good luck!

[David]

Well, guess I'l have to buy a couple of teddy bears
So if he starts tuging with a softer toy, is it probable that eventually he will tug with anything, like a stick for example?

[Sang]

Donnie's right, so I'll just echo what he says.

Your assumption is right. Once he feels safe expressing his energy with you outside, he'll be able to play tug with toys and objects that have higher emotional resistance. To help "open the valve" and lower his resistance, focus on pushing for food to increase his attraction to you. Once he's giving you all his energy in pushing, he'll be more ready to play tug.

Good luck!