The easy peasy dog toy

I have a confession to make, sometimes I am cheap and sometimes I am lazy. This means I occasionally work to figure out a way to save myself money and time. This idea does both. Here is my secret to a super easy do-it-yourself dog toy. First nab a piece of cloth. I think the one shown was about 3 1/2 feet x 1 foot. It literally was a scrap in a bunch of fleece someone gave me. I didnt even need to pre-cut it. Next cut it into 3 strips, leaving one end piece connected.

Step on the connected end piece and start braiding.

Braid it all the way til the end.

Put a knot in it, pushing the knot towards the end of the braided portion. Add a knot in the other end as well.

Ta da! One braided tug toy. No sewing needed! (If you dont know how to braid, simply throw a knot in the cloth every so often for another version.)

You can make them as long or as short as you like. The one below is a longer version then the one shown above. You can also add more knots to the longer ones as well.

Tug is one of Jack very favorite games. I also keep one in my traveling training box. They are very useful for teaching fetch games, take it and give. The good news is that any kind of cloth works. Got an old pair of Jeans? The legs work great as a toy!! They are machine washable as well. I hope this sparks some fun for your own dogs. Enjoy!!

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Im NOT a chew toy!

One of my great Inquisitive Canine manners students writes: 

• Joan, I am having a few issues with Scout being mouthy to me and others. What suggestions do you have? Thanks, Steve C, Santa Paula California 

Dear Steve,

Ugh! Im sure its frustrating to be treated like a giant chew or tug toy. Ill go through the "flowchart" paths of behavior, just like class. 

1. Is it "normal" doggy behavior? Yep, sure is. Exploring the world with their mouth, using it as a "tool", using it to initiate fun games with others - dogs and humans. 
2. Is it a behavior Scout wants to do more of, or is it something you want him to do or like? Hmm, Id say he wants more of it :-) So that means its based upon the "Consequence" path of learning. Its Scouts behavior that will earn him more or less of it happening again in the future. 
3. Have you taught him what you want, in a way that he understands? Have you been consistent in educating him? Rewarding an undesired behavior, even once in a blue moon, will most likely reward it just enough to keep him trying again and again. (Think "Vegas"). Or, only "punishing" him once in awhile can send mixed messages too. 

So, where do you start? Simple: 

1. FIRST: REWARD WHAT YOU WANT! Remember, positive reinforcement will make the desired behaviors happen more frequently. Whenever you or others are around him, and he is behaving in the exact manner you like, acknowledge it! Bump it up and reward with food and play! 
   
2. Provide "legal outlets" for chewing and playing. Keep large tug toys around for Scout to put his mouth on. Whenever he makes the right choice, again reward what you like! Reward with both a game of tug, and yummy treats! "Yea, scout made the right choice!" 
3. Decide what "punishment" youre going to use. The best punishment I can think of is the absolute "game over!!!" response from you (or others that are playing). Meaning, all play, all interaction, all attention stops completely! 
4. Once you re-engage, keep up the same rules. I use the 3-strikes for something like this. 

I think the most important points: rewarding what you want and consistency in the two choices youre giving Scout. The right choice, and the other one :-)

Hope this helps Steve! Keep me posted on the outcome... 

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