Tugging isn’t just a reward system for your dog — it’s a physical skill for handlers, and it’s one of the sneakiest places people get hurt.
In this episode, Liz sits down with tugging and play expert Shade Whitesel to talk about how to keep tugging fun while reducing risk on the human side. Shade shares handler safety tips that will make your tugging safer, clearer and more fun for both of you.
We also chat practical protective gear, clothing hazards, and what to do when your dog is powerful enough to thrash the toy and light up your wrists and shoulders.
Liz also adds a handler-fitness lens—split stance positioning, bracing, and quick height changes—so handlers can stay more stable and organized when their dog hits the end of the toy with speed or power.
If you've been injured, slammed, bitten or caught off guard when tugging, this one's for you.
Shade's toy class is open for registration Jan 22 through Fenzi Dog Sports Academy, You can learn more here.
She also has an incredible FREE webinar you can grab about Location Specific Marker Cues, pick it up here.
