Leslie specializes in clicker training and using positive reinforcement to modify problem behaviors in both pet and performance dogs.

In my Spring column, we discussed the training effort used to build drive in your dog while he is having fun. These next paragraphs follow through on that concept:

If you make the game rewarding enough -- by making the toy really exciting, or by using a very high rate of reinforcement when teaching a new behavior -- then the release should become disappointing. The dog should start hanging around you waiting for the continuation f the game, rather than sniffing around by himself.

I turned my latest rescue, Snap, who was so-so about toys and very easily distracted by noises, other dogs, and smells, into a tugging demon with this method. Now when I release him, he just stares at me, hoping for a game. Even outside where he is free to do whatever he wants during his "break time," he just stares at me. I reward his choice to stay focused on me by giving him another brief session of ball. I also have an official, more permanent release cue that lets him know the game is definitely over and he should go play by himself, so he doesn't become a pest!