Things You'll Need:
- Spring Pole
- A dog that loves Tug games
- Patience
- Time
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Step 1
Make sure the spring pole is properly adjusted for your dog's height. The back feet should remain FIRMLY on the ground while your dog is tugging. For beginning dogs you may have to lengthen the rope until all four feet stay on the ground.
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Step 2
The easiest method I've found is to start an old-fashioned tug game. Once the dog is enjoying himself immensely release the toy he's got and pick up the toy that's on the spring pole. Try to make it enough like a prey object that the dog drops the first toy and goes for the second one. This may take a couple of times before the dog understands.
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Step 3
Start the old-fashioned tug game with the toy on the spring pole. Don't let go of it yet just get him good and playful. This is when a good 'drop' command is helpful. Once you are sure that the dog will respond to you while working encourage him to get the tug on his own.
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Step 4
Once the dog is consistently tugging on the 'prey' item you can begin raising the height a bit. This piece of equipment works the muscles from the jaws, shoulders, neck and back. It helps relieve boredom, burns energy and allows a dog to maintain fitness and muscle tone.
