Increasing the fight while playing with the tug - Page 1

I got a 1 yr old that has great tug drive.  The issue that I just noticed is that he doesn't pull on it with the force that I would like.  I want him to fight for the tug.  I pull...he pulls.  That fight drive.  I see right now he thrashes his head from side to side and pulls a little but now how I would want.  I want that "m.f'er this is mine & I am going to get it from you or I will carry you while you hold on." attitude.  I know some of this is genetic but also some of it has to be taught as well.  Any ideas on how to accomplish this?

Here is a example of what I am trying to accomplish.

You want that on purpose?  Get a helper who bends over a lot and never brings the sleeve above his waist.  Then get a slow dog who doesn't want to come up for the bite and keep trying to force the sleeve in it's mouth so they look serviceable on a video,,then you can have that.

Actually, it's not that difficult to teach a dog to counter even as a puppy.  Just depends on your skill level and your ability to play with your dog.

Well minus the helper I do like how the dog is not on just 2 feet "along for the ride".  I like seeing it on 4 feet pulling and fighting.  Which hyou want to trasfer over into Sch/IPO/PSA field (if your into it) when he/she is on the sleeve or suit.

No different as you start it with the tug.  Dog jumps to get it and starts pulling.  Not thrashing from side to side but pulling.  Personally yes, I want that.  I have noticed that many dogs just hang on as they are use to it and don't really fight back.

Ace,
You need to spend less time on various internet forums and find a good helper and trainer for you and your dogs.  You have copious amounts of questions that would be better answered by experience and learning for yourself.  Be careful of the advice you get on your various forums.  Seek help in person form someone that can work your dogs and explain the process to you.   

Jim,

I actually do spend time with my trainer but I am always willing to learn other methods & techniques.  I never limit myself to just one way.  If we all don't ask questions then what is the point of a forum?  What is the point of a Training & Obedience section? 
Hopefully it will help someone who is looking for advice and doesn't want to ask.  With this particular issue, I have had someone explain to me how to accomplish it.  I want to know of other methods.  A good trainer will tell you to see other trainerd and ask people numerous questions so you find out all different ways.

Hey Deanna,
Waves right back at you.

Ace,

Seeking knowledge is a wonderful thing. It is also a risky hobby on the internet.  After seeing the video of your dog I think you need to learn the basics and not pick and choose training elements that you think are cool or great.  A house built on a poor foundation will never hold up, the same goes for dog training.  After seeing some of the comments on the other forum about your dog and how to train the dog, it is apparent that you need to work with people that understand temperament and working ability.  About 10 or 12 years ago I had a friend that sought knowledge from some of the best trainers around.  He traveled and got private lessons, he went to seminars and was a naturally talented guy.  He got a new dog, HOT from a pup and within a few years he was on the WUSV team for the USA competing overseas.  None of what he learned came from internet forums but seeking the best trainers he could find in person.  Perhaps, you will be that guy in a few years competing on a high level and I hope you are.  But, you need to work with some really talented people and take what you read on the internet with a grain of salt.  I'm not sure you are getting or doing that now. 

You remind of the old saying "A little knowledge can be a dangerous thing."  In your case, with your dogs, and the advice given to you this could definitely be true. 

JMO FWIW,

Jim

Ruger - Good info.  I worked with him today and he pulled a little more.  Maybe distance has something to do with it?  Distance meaning how far the tug is away from me when he is on it?

Despite what Jim said, I'm gonna try to give you some shitty advice. Yeah, some dogs come out of the womb with the "that's mine, MFer!" attitude. Others don't and feel like you are the man. For those that don't, you need to let them know that they can rip that shit out of your hand. Encourage the little shit at first and the dog will soon understand. that it is ok. You build confidence one day at a time. Some dogs just don't have it, but everything can be improved. How much is the question, and that depends on you and the dog. Just out of curiosity, does your dog react differently with a helper than you?

Just read your last post while i was typing. I agree with Jim. You need to find someone with knowledge that can share it with you. Distance = less pressure/conflict/etc. One of the many reasons the flirt pole is great for Pups.