Tug is the foundation for everything that follows. Not because tug itself matters — because what it teaches matters. Drive. Focus. Handler engagement. The out command. Impulse control under arousal. The idea that you are the source of everything good.
Michael Ellis calls it the dog’s “paycheck.” Larry Krohn uses it to build relationship before he asks for a single thing. It works because it’s primal — grip, pull, win — but structured tug turns that instinct into a conversation.
What You’re Building
By the end of Phase 1, Melon should:
- Engage with the tug enthusiastically and with full commitment
- Release on “out” within 2 seconds, cleanly
- Re-engage (offer eye contact or behavior) to restart the game
- Sit or down as a “gate” before the game begins
- Transition smoothly between high-arousal play and calm obedience
- Understand that you start and end the game — and that’s what makes it fun
The Stages
Stage 1: Building Drive
Get her interested. Build intensity. Make the game so valuable that the tug becomes the ultimate reward. If she’s already a tug monster, you’ll blow through this in 2-3 sessions. If she’s unsure about tug, this might take a week.
Stage 2: Rules & Structure
Add the out command. Teach re-engagement. Handler controls when the game starts and stops. This is where tug becomes structured tug — the part that builds impulse control and focus.
Stage 3: Obedience Integration
Sit earns tug. Down earns tug. Obedience becomes the on-ramp to play. This is how basic obedience gets solidified without ever doing a boring drill session.
Bonus Games for Phase 1
Alongside your tug work, rotate in one of these 1-2 times per week as a short bonus session (5 min max):
It’s Your Choice (Impulse Control)
A foundation game that teaches Melon to offer restraint to earn reward.
- Hold treats in a closed fist at her nose level
- She’ll sniff, lick, paw at your hand
- Wait. Don’t say anything. Don’t move.
- The moment she backs off or looks away from your hand → YES + open hand, she gets a treat
- Repeat. She learns: pushing for it doesn’t work. Backing off does.
- Progress to: treat on the floor under your foot, treat on an open palm
Why it supports tug: Same principle — impulse control earns access to the thing you want. Direct foundation for the obedience gate.
Find Me (Handler Engagement)
Builds the instinct to orient toward you — the foundation for check-ins in every phase.
- Wait for Melon to look away from you
- Say her name once (or make a kissy sound)
- The instant she orients toward you → YES + treat or YES + tug rep
- Move around the space. Each time she checks in voluntarily → YES + big reward
- Progress to: outdoors, with mild distractions, on leash in new places
Why it supports tug: Re-engagement after the out is essentially “find me.” She’s learning that orienting to you is the most rewarded thing she can do.
Equipment for Phase 1
- 2 tug toys (firehose, French linen, or fleece — at least one firm, one softer)
- High-value treats (soft, small, smelly — for obedience reps and marker conditioning)
- Treat pouch
- Quiet indoor space to start (low distractions)
How Long Will Phase 1 Take?
Depends entirely on Melon. A Staffy with natural drive? Maybe 2-3 weeks. A dog who’s never played tug with rules? Could be 4-6 weeks.
Don’t rush it. The foundation you build here is what Phase 2 and 3 stand on. If you cut corners on the out command or skip re-engagement, fetch will be a mess and walking will be a fight.
Move on when the Stage 3 “ready to advance” criteria are met. Not before.