pull the toy out of her mouth while holding her scruff or collar or chest. I "talk trash" to her while checking out the line of obstacles, then I give her back the tug and we play some more while I get her into position. It has to be all about your dog when building drive. How Low Can You Go?! Keeping the toy low on the ground is way more exciting than waving the toy over the dog's head or in his face. This allows the dog to more easily latch onto the toy as well as engages prey drive. If you cannot bend over or get on your knees to tug, then change the toy to work for you. You can tie a few toys together, attach a toy to a leash or rope to create length, or use a toy attached to a lunge whip or stick. These options allow you to keep the toy low while you stand up straight. Getting down on the ground at his level can help increase a dog's tug drive. Just be careful not to lean forward and hover over him. Give him room to tug. Make It Come Alive! Dogs are naturally prey driven. Ever watch your dog chase a critter or even another dog? You can engage this natural drive (or re-engage this natural drive) using a tug toy. It all comes down to the mechanics. Move the toy away from your dog in quick, jerky movements. Drag it side to side, a few feet this way and a few feet that way. Smack it against the ground. Make it dance! Shoving the toy in your dog's face will likely cause the dog to shut down and not want to play. For example, Tricky will turn her head away from me if I shove the toy in her face. Teasing her with the toy is how I get the terrier in her come alive! Shoving a toy in a dog's face causes many dogs to shut down not want to play. Your dog knows when you are there with him in the moment. If you are distracted and not keeping an eye on your dog while you tug, you can miss behaviors that will weaken tug drive over time. May 14 | Clean Run 47http://www.ultimateagility.com http://www.ultimateagility.com