Should You Be Playing Tug With Your Dog?

Do you love playing tug with your dog?

If so, you are not alone. Playing tug is probably one of the most favorite activities that dog owners do with their dogs.

But, it may not be the smartest or safest game you can play … especially if you have a dog with a dominant personality.

When you play tug of war with your dog, you are allowing him to pit his strength against yours. Psychologically you are allowing him equal footing in your relationship. A dominant dog winning at this game reinforces his leadership position. This could set the stage for him correcting you, another member of his pack (your family) or even an outsider. After all, it is his responsibility to lead and even protect his pack from others.

If you do play tug with your dog, ALWAYS WIN. Constantly have your dog release the tug toy, calm down and submit. Praise him when he does. Quit the game if he doesn’t. You control the tug toy. Put it up when you are not playing with him. Do not allow him to have access to the tug toy without you. Finally, never, ever allow him to win at tug (pulling the toy away from you).

In the pack, games begin and end with the leader. A leader always leads. If not, it is a sign of weakness. When you play with your dog, you set the terms of the games. Never allow your dog to set the terms. You never want your dog to think you are not strong enough to lead the pack.

In addition, I would recommend you never allow your children to play tug with your dog. Your dog already recognizes that your children are below you in the pack structure. I also imagine your children are not presenting a consistent leadership image to your dog. Allowing them to play tug, allows your dog to rank your children.

In conclusion, if there is any doubt about the tug game, don’t do it.  Better safe than sorry.