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I would suggest teaching the give or the out by utilizing phase 1 principles. I usually use “trading” to capture the behavior. For example the puppy has the toy as a result of you playing tug a little bit, when it’s time for the dog to out or give you simply stop play and present a cookie or another toy, when the puppy releases toy A for the cookie or the other toy you mark that behavior and reengage if you like. Once you have achieved this a few times you start naming it.
I try to refrain from using interrupters or startling animals into behaviors unless there is an urgent need or a safety issue. Teaching the out or the give is pretty simple with a trade, and then reinforcing it with premack principal will just solidify the behavior.
Side effects that I have seen from blowing in ear are: chomping at handlers face (self advocacy), cowering when handler is lowering down to get close to ear, hesitancy to re-engage, issues with bite building later. Of course, there are genetics and temperament to consider when thinking ahead for side effects.
I usually teach the give, or the out during the natural course of playtime, (I have not had a need for a platform for this behavior) I really try to keep things simple and realistic, with some dogs I have a pouch on me (or have the handler do so) and when they pick up rocks or sticks or toys I have strategically laid out I practice the above, then elevate my expectations as the training advances through the phases.
