The Bungee Rope Toy Is A San Antonio Dog Trainer Favorite
Our toy of the month is a Bungee rope toy. It is a very exciting interactive toy that is so fun you can even use it as a reward in training. There
are many shapes and many different brands you can buy, however most will consist of a rubber body, sometimes with a squeaker attached to a bungee cord covered in fairly chew resistant material. Some will even be airtight so the toy can float.
As San Antonio dog trainer I am a very big fan of the bungee, because it has plenty of "give". It allows your dog to tug and bounce while it protects your arms and body from the shock of his powerful pull.
Since most are not necessarily super resistant to chewing, this is one of those toys that usually only comes out for interactions with you. This makes it a very high value toy, which is why you can use it as a reward during training. I use it a lot when teaching dogs loose leash walking as it makes for a wonderful break from the rigidity of the exercise. I’ve also seen similar toys used at agility trials to get the dogs focused on their handlers and pumped up for their run.
As always it is important to teach the dog the rules of the game, since we will have the dog grabbing something from our hands they need to know that we are looking for an accurate and gentle grasp. Begin with a pocket full of delicious treats (hotdogs, cheese, freeze dried liver) and the toy. Offer your dog the toy and the second he puts his mouth around the toy “click” and offer a treat, make sure you are holding on to the toy. Notice how we are teaching both “Take it” and “drop” at the same time. Since the second he grabs it you offer a treat, he should automatically drop the toy to get the treat. Once you do this a few times in a row you are ready to introduce the cues. Say “take it” and offer the toy, when he does, instead of feeding straight away start playing tug or bounce by wiggling and moving the toy up and down and side to side. After a bit ask your dog to “drop” it and stop moving your arms so the toy is not moving anymore. If you have to, grab a treat and offer it to your dog, as he opens his mouth “click” and feed him the treat. In many cases once they understand the game you won’t need a treat anymore, you can just ask him to “take it” and start the tugging again. A little variation to the game is have your dog fetch the toy so after he drops it you toss it and then brings it back for more tugging.
Use the Bungee Rope Toy In conjunction with your training says San Antonio Dog Trainer Marlene Ring
Always end the game before your dog gets bored. I will usually have a treat for the last ”drop” you ask of your dog so he gets a fair exchange.
Once your dog does well with this you can start asking for more complicated versions of the game where maybe he has to sit and wait even if the toy is dangling close to his face, or toss the toy and have him wait until you ask him to go get it. If at any point your dog tries to just grab it out of your hand the game is over and the toy gets put away, same thing if he bites down on your hand, even if it is accidental. You can try again after about an hour.
When you take the toy out on a walk you want the dog to focus on walking first and after a few feet of walking politely you let him tug for a bit, then “drop” and keep walking, you can hide the toy under your shirt if he is too focused on the toy.
For more San Antonio dog trainer tips keep reading…
Remember all of these should be fun for both you and the dog so keep your voice light and happy and enjoy your dog and all the new interactions you have with him. Also, for a list of my group San Antonio Dog Obedience classes click here or give me a call at 830.981.5003.
In the meantime grab Marlene’s FREE “Well Behaved Dog Training Tips” report by entering in your contact information in the form to the right and she will send you this valuable tool with NO questions asked. Get great info about San Antonio Dog Training as well as Puppy Training .





The New Year…2012! It is time to reflect on the year gone by and resolve to work harder to become healthier and happier in the year to come. Some of my resolutions…become more organized, control stress levels, and work more effectively with my marketing person, Bert McClure. Let’s look at a few Dog Resolutions.
Before a new puppy ever crosses the threshold of your home, you want to make certain your home and yard are "puppy proof". In every area that’s accessible to a puppy, get near the ground and take a look around. Put things that are unsafe or off-limits out of reach, and check for objects that may be invitingly chewable. The following are specific factors to consider whenever you "puppy proof" your home.
I’d like to introduce you to Beau & Belle. They are 3 ½ month old Great Dane puppies. Their owner expressed to me that she felt they were smarter than her previous Great Danes. This is possible, but I think their perceived intelligence is due to early training. Dogs at this age are a learning sponge – that’s why I do a 2 week Board and Train with these puppies.