When Give Stalls

Sometimes the trade breaks down. Here is how to read it:

• Clamps down harder? Your treat is not better than the toy. Trade up to something tastier.
• Drops, then grabs it back? Mark the release faster and pay the instant the object leaves the mouth.
• Only gives when food is showing? You faded the lure too quickly. Go back to trading for a few sessions, then thin the treats again.

Stay calm and never chase or grab. Any tug-of-war tells the dog that holding on is the smart move.