Playing Tug With Dogs

1. Choose a tug toy that is comfortable for both you and your dog. Make sure it is flexible and soft enough for your hands, as well as flexible, enjoyable, and comfortable for the dog. Of course, you want to also keep the size appropriate to the dog's size. See the resource links for recommended tugs.

2. Put away the tug toys when not in use. Keep it as a special toy for the two of you, not just one of many that the dog always has access to. This keeps it special and interesting for the dog, something he can look forward to as a treat or reward. This doesn't mean the dog can't have other tug toys to play with on her own or with other dogs.

Tug o' War between puppies and kittens -- too cute!




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3. You always start the game. The toy is put away out of the dog's reach, so you get the toy and invite the dog to play tug.
Teach the dog the name of the game. The more words the dog learns, the better the dog will be able to learn and understand. Always say "tug", "play tug", or whatever you want to call the game, as you get the toy, and as the game starts. It's fine to repeat the name during the game, too.

4. Use just enough pressure on the tug to keep the game going. The game of tug is played naturally among dogs in two ways: some dogs use just enough pressure on the tug to keep the game going, and other dogs go all out and pull with their entire strength but they generally still want to keep the game going, not necessarily take the tug away.
You should always use just enough strength to keep the game going. Never pull the dog off the ground, or yank the tug forcefully from its mouth.
If your dog pulls really hard it's almost always OK. You'll see that the dog is not really trying to "win" as many people assume -- the dog just enjoys the workout -- because if you accidentally drop the tug your dog will wait for you to pick it up again, or possibly even give it to you to continue the game. The only problem with this type of dog is that she could accidentally pull over an elderly person or a child. So the dog should be playing tug only with the appropriate people who know the rules (remember you own and control the tug toy), and other games, such as fetch, can be played with people who have less strength.

Three rottweiler puppies playing tug!

Rottweiler by taiche
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5. You are the one who ends the game. Use a word or phrase that means the game is over: "that's all", "all done", "finished", etc. The toy must be put away until time for the next game. Play tug o' war with your dog daily if you possibly can. It is very good exercise for the dog, and a good bonding exercise, too.

6. Although you are the one in charge and you are the one to start and end the game, it is fine if your dog attempts to ask you to play tug, perhaps by looking at or sitting by the place you store the tug toy. This is polite dog talk and there is no reason to prevent the dog from asking. The key is that the dog should not force or push you. If the dog sits and looks at the shelf where the tug toy is, then you can either say, "do you want to play tug?" and grab the toy and go, or you can say, "sorry, Rover, no tug right now". He should not be jumping all over you and the shelves in order to force the game to start.

Naughty spaniel puppy tugging on clothing




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Now if your dog constantly pulls with all his might and snatches the tug and runs, or jumps up at you, snapping at your face or hands, you are in a different game, not tug, and you are no longer in control. STOP this game immediately and put the toy away. Try playing again later, reinforcing the rules of the tug game, and preferably after a good fetch work out or a long walk -- often the dog just wants to play chase and tug, which is another dog version of tug, but not a great game for most people, so more exercise for the dog will help if that is the case.
If you are unable to make the dog understand the rules after several attempts during different games, you should suspend tug games and get some help from a professional trainer: It is often hard for the average dog owner to know at this point the difference between a wild puppy-ish dog that isn't following the rules and a dog that is deliberately trying to enforce its dominance.

** Don't be afraid to play tug with your dog. It's a healthy, safe, and natural dog game.

** In all games and activities the dog should follow the rules, but still be allowed to expend its energy and have fun.

** If you feel afraid of your dog, or afraid to play tug, you should get help from a professional behaviorist or behavioral trainer as soon as possible.
It may simply be that you need to learn about normal dog behavior and play styles, and even play growls. Or it could be there is a reason you
feel afraid, and you need help to get your dog's behavior in line before a real problem develops.

Tug of War, from A Gay Do...

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