Barb I'd like to do some Schutzhund work with him but the only club within an hour of me is not taking new members right now.
I do what you say- when we play tug and he gives a solid effort- a nice full bite and pulls me towards him, and hangs on without regripping, I let him win. Then I make him "out" and drop the tug, have him sit or down, pick up the tug, then go again. So even when he wins, I'm in control the whole time. It's all a game for him.