Skip the tugs that teach bad habits
Rope, soft rubber and the other pet-store tugs we steer clients away from, and the reason each one makes the game worse.
Free buyer's guide
The Tug Toys That Build a Dog Who Listens, and the Ones We Tell Clients to Skip
The ranking we use with our own clients, plus the rules of tug that keep your dog listening while they're excited.
- The tugs we tell clients to skip, and why
- The right tug for your dog's stage, from puppy to advanced
- The rules of tug that stop grabbing, running off and teeth on skin
From our clients
What dog owners say about K9 Academy
"We can't thank or recommend K9 Academy enough. Our reactive, anxious rescue is now calm, confident, and a joy to walk."
Andrew M.Rescue Mix owner, Mississauga, ON"I'd give 6 stars if I could! We honestly can't believe Simba is the same dog."
Hugh M.Golden Retriever owner, Toronto, ON"What a difference! I finally understood WHY my dog was reactive and exactly what to do about it."
S. IndrawesShepherd Mix owner, Brampton, ONSneak peek
Take a look inside the guide
The skills you'll learn
What you'll be able to do after reading it
Pick the right tug for your dog's stage
Answer a few questions to find your stage, from puppy and teething to high drive, then match it to a texture on a 10-point bite scale.
Read your dog's grip
See the difference between a full grip and a shallow one, and know exactly what to change when your dog chews, re-grips or lets go.
Play by six simple rules
"Ready?", "Take it" and "Out", a quick "eh" when teeth touch skin, and the toy gets put away when the game is over.
Turn tug into a reward
Use the game to teach sits, downs and heel, so tug becomes one of the strongest rewards you have.
Build confidence in a nervous dog
Start in a quiet room with an easy-grab toy, let them win a lot, and stop while they still want more.
Get the guide free, right now
Know exactly what to buy before you spend another dollar on a tug your dog won't hold.
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