Are You Encouraging Bad Behaviors In Your Dog By Playing Tug Games?

Most dogs love to play tug-of-war. However, many pet professionals discourage tug-of-war because it is considered to be a form of competitive play. The game of tug-of-war is also known to turn on your dog’s natural instinct to chase and catch prey, which means survival in the wild. This game, for these reasons, can cause a dog to behave more aggressively, and can encourage more dominant behavior from the animal as well. The tugging action mimics the feeling of catching a small rodent, which some dogs instinctively love to do, terrier breeds especially!

However, I feel that the benefits of playing tug-of-war with your pet can outweigh the negative aspects of this entertaining doggie past time. In my professional experience, this game when played by the proper rules is not competitive, but instead can turn into fun and cooperative play between the dog and its handler.

In the wild, several canines often pack together and work cooperatively to bring down prey and take it back to the rest of the pack. Playing tug-of-war with my own high prey drive dogs has given me more control over their natural prey instincts, as they work with me in a cooperative way, and readily accept my leadership, rather than aggressively, or even competitively against me. A dog can learn how to let go of the tug toy or “prey” on your signal, and they learn also how to work for you, just for the single opportunity to get to play tug. I think these are critical lessons for your dog to learn. They also learn how to tug roughly on a toy, without ever touching your skin with their teeth. For young, mouthy puppies, this lesson is invaluable! If your dog can learn all of this, while exercising and having fun, than I think anyone will agree that it can become a fun and worthwhile activity for you and your pet dog.

The Fine Canine School of Dog Training Rules for Playing Tug-Of-War:

1. For adults or teens only
2. Engage in this play from a standing position and be sure that you always start the game with a “Ready” signal
3. Teach your dog a release command; they have to drop the toy immediately on the release command.
4. You “win” the toy by using the release command more times than they get the toy
5. If teeth ever, even slightly brush upon your skin, loudly say, “OUCH!” Promptly end the game, and put the puppy in a 20 minute time-out
6. Stop the game immediately if the play becomes too rough, or aggressive behaviors occur. Place your puppy in a 20 minute time-out (You will understand over time the difference between playful vocalizations from your own puppy versus aggressive growling.)

Follow these rules, and remember that consistency is the key to training any behavior with your pet and soon you will have a dog that safely plays tug with you!

The Fine Canine School of Dog Training © 2004