Playing fetch with your dog?

Question

Whenever I play fetch with my siberian husky, she always will bring it back to me and then wants to play tug o war. She gets really aggrisive and growls at me. She also will bite my hand, arm, and jump at me. I want her to stop and just drop the ball or frissbe. Please help!

Answer 1

Don't slap her nose. Do teach her to 'sit' and 'drop it'. If she doesn't sit reliably, work on that first. Once she'll sit well, start having her sit when she brings the ball back. Praise her! Next, show her a small treat as you say 'drop it!'. When she drops the ball to get the treat, give it to her, praise her, and pick up the ball. When she's really good at that, phase out the treats. For the jumping at you, have her on a leash (just let it drag). Step on the leash so that she'll correct herself if she jumps. Tell her 'off!' and then praise her as soon as her feet are back on the ground where they belong.

A beginning obedience class would be a really good idea. You'll learn how to effectively train her.

Answer 2

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Answer 3

First of all, don't ever smack your dog on the nose. You can really hurt her and damage her sniffer.
My Sibe also did this for a while. It's a typical Siberian thing. They are super hyper and LOVE to play keep away.
If you don't want to indulge tug of war (I do sometimes with my Sibe) then when she brings it back try to take it from her. If she resists say NO, in a firm voice. Teach her to drop it. This is a great technique not only for playing but also if you drop something in the house or she picks something up she shouldn't such as medication or such.
If she has sitting down pat, use that when she jumps on you. Grab her collar or the scruff of her neck and say sit while pulling her into a sitting position.
You can also try ignoring her. Throw the toy and when she comes back try taking it from her. If she refuses ignore her. Once she drops it praise her lavishly and throw it again. She'll catch on pretty quick! Sibes can be stubborn so be patient!
Also, I would suggest getting "How To Train Your Siberian Husky" by Liz Palika. It is a great book.

Answer 4

You need to teach the "drop" command.


Slip two fingers of a * leather gloved* hand behind the canine teeth and place your thumb lightly under the dogs chin.
Typically, when you put your fingers in the dog's mouth, it will try to spit them out. Don't let it succeed, but be sure to remain calm. If you get excited, the dog will too. I put velcro hobbles of the dog front legs so that it cant paw at me.
Keep the two fingers behind the dog's canine teeth until the dog becomes completely still. At that moment, say "Drop" and let the dog pull its mouth off your hand. The dog will soon realize that when it stops chewing/thrashing you will allow it to get rid of your fingers. If the dog won't let go, just wiggle your index finger on the back of its tongue as you say "Drop."
This part of the "trained retrieve" is based on the principle that the dog gives you an item, rather than you taking an item from the dog. So when you give the "drop" command hold your hand perfectly still and allow the dog to remove it's mouth from your hand.
It should only take a couple of 5 minute sessions and you should be able to substitute a training buck for the gloved hand.

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dog master
that is a great way to make a dog hand shy (then you will never get anything away form it.)

Answer 5

First and foremost NEVER hit your dog, how would you like to be hit on the nose ouch! My Shih Tzu used to do that, so instead of encouraging her to tug by pulling the toy I would just ignore her intil she dropped it. After a while she learnt that if she wants me to keep throwing the toy she has to first give me the toy. And when she bites to hard when we are playing "rough" I first let out a little cry,because dogs do this when they play together to tell each other they have hurt each other, then I say gentle. It only took a few times before she understood, no hitting,smacking,or tapping involved. It might be harder though with a large breed puppy who is a little more driven,well goodluck.

Answer 6

Siberians don't really get the whole retrieving concept. They like to play tug-of-war (as you've noticed) and also "the chase game"- where they grab something and expect you to chase after them. You have a typically strong-willed and hyperactive (these dogs are from hard-working sled dog stock, after all) Sibe who needs obedience training. Remember that even after obedience training she can't be allowed off-leash outside a well-fenced area;when they see something interesting(like a squirrel or another dog) they will forget their training and just take off.

Answer 7

Dog master is wrong-Never hit your dog!



Your dog is playing with you.

Huskies are guard dogs and they love to guard there things. My dog is part husky and she guards everything. I mean everything.

You should get several tennis balls so that way you can throw them and your dog and fetch one while trying to jump or bite on you.

My dog does the same thing but not the jumping and biting or growling part but she won't ever give up the ball or toy. I have to wait for her to drop it herself.

Answer 8

When she comes back teach her a command or saying that will tell her you are boss. Like Drop it or Give it will help. The way to get her to let go is pull on the ball/frisbee and when she lets go say good girl. Because techniquely she let it go. you have to reward her. If she doesn't let go tap her on her nose with a little force. she should let go and learn. hope this helps.

Answer 9

When she brings it back make her sit tell her "drop it" If she doesn't drop it slap her on her nose with enough force to make her drop it and she will drop it. Do this a couple of time eventually she will get it.