Week 7

[Day 47] "Off" in the game - Controlled tugging games as effective training

October 1, 2024

Time to read 5 min

Basic obedience: Day 47 of 56

This video and training is part of the Grunge Obedience Concept, a structured programme to promote obedience and the bond between humans and dogs. The concept is carefully didactic and methodical to ensure that each exercise builds on the previous one for maximum effectiveness. It is crucial that you carry out the training in the intended order to achieve the best possible results for your dog.

The "out" signal is one of the basic commands in dog training and is particularly important if your dog is to learn to let go safely and reliably even in agitated situations. Day 47 of the training plan is all about training the "out" in play situations - in other words, when the dog is particularly excited and has his full attention focussed on a game of tug or an object.

Why play in particular? Play situations, especially tugging games, are an excellent way to reinforce your dog's basic obedience and at the same time strengthen his impulse control and arousal control.

Goal: Your dog gives up the toy on the signal word "off" and receives a toy of equal value in return

Equipment: 2 exactly the same toys, treats, Harness, Long Leash

Location: Low-stimulus environment

Duration: approx. 5 repetitions with breaks in between

Trainingsplan Downlod

Why train the "out" in the game?

Training the "off" signal during play makes use of the dog's natural play behaviour and enthusiasm. When dogs really get going while playing, their excitement and concentration on the toy often increase - this is exactly the right moment to practise letting go. The dog learns to perform the "off" even in exciting moments and thus to control its impulses.

Stimulus control and the connection with the "off" signal

When playing, your dog's excitement level rises and he focuses strongly on the toy. Giving the "off" in this situation is a challenge that helps him to master letting go even under high tension. From a canine perspective, this strengthens stimulus control - the ability to let go of a stimulus in response to a signal, even if the dog is strongly focussed on it.

Psychological effect - obedience through fun and trust

Playing is not only a form of exercise for dogs, but also an important social process. If you positively reinforce the "off" signal during play and reward your dog for letting go with a more exciting toy or a short break, he will stay motivated and relaxed. In this way, he learns that the "off" does not cause him any loss, but actually gives him an advantage - a realisation that strengthens his confidence in the training and helps him to orientate himself more safely towards you in everyday life.

The rules for safe tugging

Before training the "out" signal in tug games, it is important to set clear rules for the game. Tug games can be extremely exciting for dogs, but without a solid foundation and set rules, they can make training difficult or cause misunderstandings. With the right rules, the game remains controlled and safe - so it's a valuable opportunity to practise the 'out' and strengthen the bond with your dog.

Clear relationship and orientation towards the dog-man

Tugging games are particularly suitable for dogs that are well orientated towards their humans and have a stable relationship. Only if the dog has learnt to orientate itself towards you will it be prepared to let go of the toy even when excited and pay attention to your "off" signal.

Assume safe basic obedience
Before training the "out" in high-intensity games, your dog should already have mastered the signal in calm situations. Only if your dog clearly understands the signals to start and end the game will he be able to reliably obey the "out" even in high-intensity game situations.

Control and interaction - playing as a team
The tugging game is a form of interaction and should not be seen as a "fight" for the toy. Make sure that you are always in control of the game and can also interrupt it. Your dog should always remain responsive and learn that the game is a shared experience in which he does not decide everything on his own.

The right state of arousal in the game
A dog that gets too excited when playing tug will find it harder to respond to signals and may ignore the "out". Make sure that your dog is only excited enough to be able to listen to your signals. This will keep him responsive during play and teach him to perform the "off" reliably.

Tugging games

Even if you might not think so, tug games can achieve some training effects that are essential for dogs: Impulse control, signalling control, arousal control and confidence building.

Trainingsplan Downlod

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Summary

"Off" training through play, especially through tugging games, helps your dog to internalise letting go as a positive and natural behaviour. With two to three toys, clear rules and controlled interaction, tug games are an excellent exercise in impulse and arousal control. Your dog learns to respond to signals, even when he is excited, and at the same time strengthens his bond with you.

The next training units will focus on using the "off" signal in even more dynamic and appealing situations. The free training plan, which is available to download, contains all the steps and detailed exercises to intensify the training safely and gradually. This way, the "off" signal will soon be firmly anchored in more demanding everyday situations.

In the next training sessions, the "off" signal is gradually applied in more demanding situations. This will teach your dog to reliably implement the release signal even with stronger stimuli. The free training plan contains all the necessary steps to continue the training safely and systematically.

[Day 46] Swap deal for dogs - The second step to a safe "out"

[Day 48] Simulation of a serious situation - "off" training for emergencies

The authors: Paulina & Lui

Paulina and Lui are the heart and soul behind Vitomalia [Dogstraining & Store]. Her journey in dog training began with the adoption of her first list dog, Vito. This experience sparked her deep interest in teaching other dog owners about dog behaviour and training. Initially this was just a hobby, but with the adoption of the American Pitbull Amalia, who had been relinquished several times due to severe behavioural problems, her passion developed into a true vocation. Amalia's particular behavioural challenges intensified her interest in dog training and behavioural therapy. This turning point led Paulina and Lui to leave their original career paths, undergo intensive further training and dedicate themselves fully to the subject of dog training. Their work with human-dog teams also revealed a gap in the dog market: there was a lack of safe, high-quality dog accessories specifically for medium-sized and large breeds.

From this realisation, Vitomalia [Dogstraining & Store] was born, a combination of their commitment to professional dog training and the need for quality dog accessories. Paulina and Lui bring their personal experience, extensive knowledge and passion for dogs to every product to help human-dog teams live together.