Toy gripping and physical play are useful outlets when the puppy learns that the person starts the game, Drop releases the toy and the finish cue leads into recovery. Bite inhibition is taught alongside those rules; strength is guided through mechanics, not met with more force.
Identify the pattern before responding
| Type | What it looks like | What it needs |
|---|---|---|
| Exploratory mouthing | A loose-bodied puppy samples hands, clothing or household objects. | Supervise, provide safe objects and teach bite inhibition without turning hands into toys. |
| Rule-governed tug | The puppy grips the designated toy after the start cue, plays while responsive and releases on Drop. | This is a useful legal outlet when start, release and finish remain predictable. |
| Over-aroused gripping | Grip tightens, movement becomes frantic, teeth shift towards hands or clothing, and Drop no longer works. | The game went on too long; reduce stimulation, create space and resume training only after recovery. |
Teach bite inhibition in three stages
Do not skip force control by demanding zero mouthing immediately. Teach a softer mouth first, then reduce frequency while preserving clear toy rules.
A clear tug and recovery routine
- Start on one cue Keep the toy still until the start cue, then offer the designated handhold while keeping fingers away from the grip area.
- Reinforce Drop clearly Stop toy movement, cue Drop once, mark the release and reinforce it; the safe toy can restart so release does not always end the fun.
- Finish while responsive Use the finish cue before grip and movement escalate, put the toy away and move calmly to the recovery area.
- Practise the off switch separately Build mat settling, sniffing and chewing during easy periods so those responses are familiar after an exciting game.