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Playing tug isn’t just fun—it’s a powerful training tool that lays a strong foundation.

It builds engagement using structured play while subtly teaching impulse control.

Here’s how to teach the ‘Out’ by playing a game of tug, with a few extra rules…👇️ 

In partnership with Ivan Balabanov

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🧠 Why Teach The ‘Out’?

If your dog has ever clamped onto a toy like it’s theirs forever, you’re not alone.

You can harness this natural instinct to create a cooperative game of tug that doubles as a high-value reward system.

But this only works after they learn to let go of their favorite thing on command.

Teaching the ‘Out’ builds 5 crucial skills:

1. Impulse Control – Teaches them to listen to you even when highly aroused.

2. Engagement – Strengthens your bond through play.

3. Energy Management – Burns their energy productively with actions that lead to rewards.

4. Targeting – Play stops if they bite your fingers, reinforcing precision.

5. State Switching – Trains them to move smoothly from high arousal to calm focus.

🔟 Rules For Teaching The ‘Out’

To transition from tug of war to structured play, we’ll need to set some ground rules.

Before Teaching The ‘Out’

1. Let puppies win first: Confidence grows through success—allow them to possess the toy when they push into it with a firm grip.

2. Teach them to bring the toy back: Keep them on a leash and encourage them by backing up, clapping, and making excited noises.

While Teaching The ‘Out’

3. Never let them initiate play: Play requires your permission.

4. Reward maximum effort: Only let them bite it when they’re trying hard.(Guide on how to build motivation)

5. Immobilize the toy before saying ‘Out’: Never pull the toy from their mouth.

6. Don’t hide or block the toy: Keep it visible and accessible to allow for mistakes.

7. Withhold rewards for mistakes: If they bite your hands or clothes, say ‘No’ sharply and pause play for 15 seconds.

8. Prevent anticipation: Vary toy position and your body language so they don’t predict the ‘Out.’

Rewarding The ‘Out’

9. Reanimate the toy immediately: The best reward for releasing is getting to bite again!

10. Use pressure when necessary: Lightly nag them with a prong collar/e-collar stimulation to prompt the release if they’ve been trained improperly.

Let’s put these rules into action!

How To Teach The ‘Out’

1. Prep work: Grab a leather rag (puppies) or French linen tug (adults). Wear durable clothes. Choose a distraction-free area.

2. Start play: Present the tug as a visible target with a clear line of sight. Say “Yes” to prompt them to bite.

3. Encourage effort: Move the toy energetically, making them chase and jump for it.

4. Play tug: Alternate between short and long rounds of play. Praise them while playing so they know they’re doing the right thing.

5. Teach ‘Out’: Say ‘Out’ once, immobilize the toy, and wait for them to release it. Restart step 2 once they release it. If they don’t, say ‘No’ and wait until they do.

6. Add distractions gradually: Introduce motivating distractions at a distance, while preventing self-reinforcement.

The Result

Fluency - Your dog waits for the “Yes”, works hard, respects your hands, releases quickly, and focuses solely on you.

Want more than my guide? Check out Ivan Balabanov’s free 10 min demo on teaching the ‘Out’.👇️

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