I originally started this course to enable me to help my students learn how to teach their puppies to play.

However I have a 12 year old and a 3 year old, both SFT's, who would not play with me.

Started today using the beginning techniques and with in seconds had the 12 year old taking the tug and giving mild tugs.

The 3 year old actually was taking the end of the tug in his mouth and moving around with it.

Before starting this neither dog showed any interest in tugging with me, but both love to train at anything.

Once I get continued interest and interaction I think building drive won't take long.  Both dogs understand out and with the 12 yr old if I freeze he lets it go, with no need for a verbal.  Younger dog lets go on his own atm but as we progress I'll find what I need for his out.

This is a great course.

Great job Mary! It is a great course, isn't it? I've always said that protection sport trainers are absolutely the best at 2 things - toy play and distraction training. Forrest's engagement course is really great too!

That is how we train our puppies starting from an early age and this is also how we teach our police k-9s to do bitework. We start with tugs and when they have the out solid and are crazy for the tug we move on to bite sleeves. This makes all the interaction with our dogs fun and they really want to come train. There is always something good in it for them and they love it.