lilangel wrote:IMO The 2 tug focus is the problem with this thread. The 2 toy method is pretty antiquated and this future dog owners would be best served if this thread were erased. Using one toy to initiate the out of the possessed toy is not conducive to learning the out. It takes time, experience and timing 1 learn this method properly, 2) to wean off this method properly and it is something most people won't or don't do. Once people start using this method, they tend to think it is just so much easier to wave a second toy in the dogs face to get the release of the first toy.
However, If they taught the out with one toy from the start, the process would actually be MUCH MUCH faster and easier to train than the 2 toy method. Its too bad that this thread is so long and has had so much apparent influence over those who have read it. I'd just as soon refer people to the one toy method and get dogs that know out and will out without conflict, on command because you requested it, period. This method is 100% hands-off and positive motivation and if you ever leave your second toy at home, you don't have to find a stick, or use your nice new jacket as a replacement to get your dog to give you her ball or tug. But I guess to each his/her own.
Well, we generally don't erase threads just because some advice is antiquated. It's more or less an open forum, within the limits of civil discourse. For deleting outdated info, we'd want a different format, something like a Wiki perhaps (with its edit wars and other limitations... nothing's perfect.)
Lilangel, how about you give the details of the one-toy method you're talking about, or give a link where interested readers can learn more about how to do it?