I've posted this on the working cockers online forum too, but thought I would post here too... 

...I'd really appreciate some advice regarding tug of war with our cocker pup.

Jack is now 13 weeks old, and we have so far avoided this game in order to prevent hard mouth and/or retrieving issues, however it is something we have been advised to do (by our puppy school instructor) in order to help prevent his increased play biting. Her advice was to only use one toy for tug games so that we can teach him he can tug on that one toy, but nothing else.

This does make sense to me, as it would also help use up some of his energy (some of it anyway!) I am reluctant to start playing this without some experienced working cocker owner advice!

Thanks in advance,

Emma.

Ems at 05:20PM on Apr 27, 2009

I've posted this on the working cockers online forum too, but thought I would post here too... 

 

...I'd really appreciate some advice regarding tug of war with our cocker pup.

 

Jack is now 13 weeks old, and we have so far avoided this game in order to prevent hard mouth and/or retrieving issues, however it is something we have been advised to do (by our puppy school instructor) in order to help prevent his increased play biting. Her advice was to only use one toy for tug games so that we can teach him he can tug on that one toy, but nothing else.

 

This does make sense to me, as it would also help use up some of his energy (some of it anyway!) I am reluctant to start playing this without some experienced working cocker owner advice!

 

Thanks in advance,

Emma.

Hi Emma

I would avoid all "tug of war" games, infact, this will increase his "play biting" it gets them over excited and teaches them to bite harder on the object.

Come and see me at the next session this Sunday and I will go through with you what to do with "Play biting".

A puppy needs to learn "bite inhibition" and I have a super leaflet regarding this.  Unfortunately it is too long to post here, but I will print a copy and bring on sunday for you.

In the meantime, any biting of you or your clothing, a short sharp "Ah Ah" in a loud tone.  If he stops, then praise, if not, stop all play and turn your back on him.  If this doesn't work, put him in time out for a short time, 30 seconds, put him in another room or behind a stairgate, so he can't get to you.   If he has a crate try not to use it for this at this time.

Remind me on Sunday, as I will probably forget!!

Ali

westberksgundogclub at 04:26AM on Apr 28, 2009

Ems at 05:20PM on Apr 27, 2009

I've posted this on the working cockers online forum too, but thought I would post here too... 

 

...I'd really appreciate some advice regarding tug of war with our cocker pup.

 

Jack is now 13 weeks old, and we have so far avoided this game in order to prevent hard mouth and/or retrieving issues, however it is something we have been advised to do (by our puppy school instructor) in order to help prevent his increased play biting. Her advice was to only use one toy for tug games so that we can teach him he can tug on that one toy, but nothing else.

 

This does make sense to me, as it would also help use up some of his energy (some of it anyway!) I am reluctant to start playing this without some experienced working cocker owner advice!

 

Thanks in advance,

Emma.

Hi Emma

 

I would avoid all "tug of war" games, infact, this will increase his "play biting" it gets them over excited and teaches them to bite harder on the object.

 

Come and see me at the next session this Sunday and I will go through with you what to do with "Play biting".

 

A puppy needs to learn "bite inhibition" and I have a super leaflet regarding this.  Unfortunately it is too long to post here, but I will print a copy and bring on sunday for you.

 

In the meantime, any biting of you or your clothing, a short sharp "Ah Ah" in a loud tone.  If he stops, then praise, if not, stop all play and turn your back on him.  If this doesn't work, put him in time out for a short time, 30 seconds, put him in another room or behind a stairgate, so he can't get to you.   If he has a crate try not to use it for this at this time.

 

Remind me on Sunday, as I will probably forget!!

 

Ali

Thanks Ali - see you on Sunday!

PS - I will bring the membership form and payments along on too