Playing by the Rules
Peggy Moran

Stop on Command:

Practice on a long line in a familiar outdoor area.

State your "STOP" command each time your dog comes to a voluntary standstill.

Toss a toy as a positive reinforcer for standing still.

State your "OKAY" command when the dog begins to move toward the toy.

Be certain the dog is associating the command words with the desired behaviors; practice the above steps for at least two weeks before confronting dog with commands.

When confronting, a command is given to moving dog; if the dog does not stop, help it (DO NOT PUNISH!) with the leash so it learns to always be "right" after hearing the command.

Reward with what your dog would most appreciate at the moment; in this exercise, when the dog has had freedom temporarily restricted, release back to freedom is a great motivator!

Chase Toys (and Stop on Command):

Be sure to have practiced and be successful at the Stop on Command exercise, above.

Practice on a long lead or light-line.

Allow dog to chase a toy attached to a string when given an "OKAY" command.

Intermittently ask dog to "STOP" while in pursuit of the toy; if it has "selective hearing", help dog to be successful by stopping the dog with the light-line, but without punishing!

The best reward for honoring the "STOP" command while in pursuit of the toy is to be allowed to chase the toy again!

Controlled Tugging:

Do NOT play with dogs with any history of inappropriate aggression!

Teach dog to drop objects/toys on command, before beginning tug-training:
      When dog is observed dropping a toy, attach the command "DROP"; reward with the toss of another toy.
      When the dog picks up a toy, attach the command "TAKE".

Always play with the same tugging toy, and be sure to keep it and put away when finished playing.

Only play tug when the game is started by the owner, not the dog.

Never grab for or take toys out of the dog’s mouth; ask the dog to let go with the "DROP" command.

Reinforce failure to drop by "waiting the dog out" on its leash; don’t allow dog to walk away or continue to play.

For possession aggression during play, remotely correct with an aversive sound, such as a plastic pop bottle with pennies in it being dropped behind the dog.

In All Play Situations:
      
Be sure to maintain both your own and your dog’s emotional control and respect for the rules of safe play:

If it hurts, it isn’t fun.

If it isn’t done in a safe environment, it isn’t fun.

If anyone is angry, it isn’t fun.

If it isn’t fair, or doesn’t make sense, it isn’t fun.

If there isn’t something to be gained from it, it isn’t fun:

The best "gains" are: freedom; offered possessions; social interaction; expression of energy with a friend.

The worst "gains" are: dominance; success at disobedience; "stolen" possessions; reinforced flight behavior. 

Play by the rules, and have fun!