Increasing Bite Force
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A common problem when training a dog to pull something with his mouth, such as opening a door, is that the dog has either a weak hold or he doesn't pull hard enough. Below are some techniques on how to fix that using a simple game of tug. The first two methods are from the U.S. Military Dog Training Handbook. The third is a common technique a lot of trainers, including me, use.
#1 HIGH BITE
Have the dog sitting a few feet away from you and wave the rope at shoulder height. Ensure that the dog will jump high. When the dog grabs the rope, pull the sleeve in at chest level. This ensures the dog will fully commit to the bite and will instill confidence in the dog. If the dog lets up, pull the rope higher. This teaches the dog to maintain a hard and full bite.
#2 PULL DOWN IN THE BITE
You need to have a helper for this one. You will play tug with the dog and your helper will pull down on the leash on the dog's collar while you play tug with the dog. Or vice versa. If the bite gets weak both you and the helper will provide pressure to cause the dog to fight harder for a full mouth bite. Then, release the pressure and allow the dog to readjust the bite. Do this two or three times. As the dog takes a fuller and stronger bite, release the rope and allow the dog to carry or run in a circle with it.
Warning: This does not work on some dogs. I tried this on my own dog and he released the rope and bit my arm real hard. My dog finds the downward (or upward) pressure on his collar during tug to be triggering and will bite anyone who tries to touch his collar during a game of tug.
#3 TAP AND STARE
One method I like to use on mine is to stare at him, putting my full focus on him. I never talk to anyone else while playing tug with my dog. My full attention is on my dog at all times. I will also lightly tap his sides with my hand. This builds a stronger bite, too. When the dog feels himself being tapped, he will bite down harder.
A common problem when training a dog to pull something with his mouth, such as opening a door, is that the dog has either a weak hold or he doesn't pull hard enough. Below are some techniques on how to fix that using a simple game of tug. The first two methods are from the U.S. Military Dog Training Handbook. The third is a common technique a lot of trainers, including me, use.
#1 HIGH BITE
Have the dog sitting a few feet away from you and wave the rope at shoulder height. Ensure that the dog will jump high. When the dog grabs the rope, pull the sleeve in at chest level. This ensures the dog will fully commit to the bite and will instill confidence in the dog. If the dog lets up, pull the rope higher. This teaches the dog to maintain a hard and full bite.
#2 PULL DOWN IN THE BITE
You need to have a helper for this one. You will play tug with the dog and your helper will pull down on the leash on the dog's collar while you play tug with the dog. Or vice versa. If the bite gets weak both you and the helper will provide pressure to cause the dog to fight harder for a full mouth bite. Then, release the pressure and allow the dog to readjust the bite. Do this two or three times. As the dog takes a fuller and stronger bite, release the rope and allow the dog to carry or run in a circle with it.
Warning: This does not work on some dogs. I tried this on my own dog and he released the rope and bit my arm real hard. My dog finds the downward (or upward) pressure on his collar during tug to be triggering and will bite anyone who tries to touch his collar during a game of tug.
#3 TAP AND STARE
One method I like to use on mine is to stare at him, putting my full focus on him. I never talk to anyone else while playing tug with my dog. My full attention is on my dog at all times. I will also lightly tap his sides with my hand. This builds a stronger bite, too. When the dog feels himself being tapped, he will bite down harder.
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