MAGNET TOYS!

Who doesn't love a great toy?

There are so many options out there -- check out K9 Design's site

I use a combination of Toys, Treats (usually string cheese, but sometimes my Doggy Crack - recipe to come) and lots of praise when I train.

There's a lot that I LOVE about training with toys.

The stakes are HIGHER!
Dog tries HARDER
High Drive Dogs get tired. . . and it can be great for conditioning.
It can take the place of luring, depending on body placement. And THIS is why I love using Magnet Toys.

But like everything else good in life, there are also RULES:

It is MY toy, not theirs.
It is only used when we are training.
It is not their chew toy.
Dog not allowed to grab the toy until I give him his command or a positive marker.
Avoid being bitten! Hold the toy in a way that the dog has PLENTY of room to grab it. Then give the cue (yes, ok, get it or whatever you wish).
Tug for short periods (many of us don't wish to be in traction). Hold the collar tab or the leash at the collar at the same time as you are tugging to prevent the dog from running off with it. Less than 10 seconds.

"BUT ELLEN!!! What if the dog doesn't want to give up this toy?"

Hold the toy against your leg, so there is no "give" in the dog's tug.
You may wish to hold the toy with two hands. I tend to have just the tug in my right, and both the tug AND the dog's Tab to the Collar in my left hand.
Tell the dog out.
You'll want to try to relax your shoulders. I find when I do that, that the dog actually let's go.
When he lets go, I either spit a treat at him or present the tug again. This way he understands the tug is not being taken away forever.

DOES YOUR DOG HAVE A FAVORITE TOY? Let me know in the comments below.

OBEDIENCE WITH ELLEN