Is it a bad thing to play tug of war?

[Pauline46]

I heard some people say playing tug of war with your dog is not good. That it encourages aggression.

Do you play tug of war with your dog? If so, did you notice more aggression?

If you don't agree with playing tug of war, what are your reasons?

[polarpaws]

I don't play tug with any of my dogs. I do it for my own reasons...

Some of my dogs are very large, and strong. Help me, if I were to LOSE a tug match! I also don't want any force on their teeth like that, even if they are strong, which they are.

I have heard that tug causes aggression. There's probably several reasons for this. A lot of people get in their dog or puppy's face when they play tug. The dog is already biting and yanking on something, if it doesnt know better, then it wouldn't know that a person isn't okay to bite or tug on, or another dog. And some dogs just dont get that point, no matter how hard you train them, and how good they are in other areas of training.

[JDogg]

I play tug of war with my dogs all the time
and they often play with each other at times all 4 will get in on it been doing this for years with my dogs and never had a fight

[brunosmom]

I play tug of war with mine...all the time...he doesn't get aggressive but then I am not playing hard, if you know what I mean......he loves it and IF he ever would show signs of aggression the game would end...period....

[Jake2006]

Yes I play tug of war with Jake. He never shows agression. If he did the game would end and he'd get a telling off, including being ignored for 1/2 hour or so.

[golden&hovawart]

tug of war is a great game for dogs.They love to tug hard and are never aggressive.Many people are amazed at how strong my female golden is.She is way stronger than me.My 2 dogs are very good at this game,they do play and growl together but I don't correct them for that.If they were to growl at me, then they would automatically be corrected.They seem to know the difference bet.dogs and people.

[skunkstripe]

I play tug of war, although not as often as other games. Neither of my dogs has any problems with aggression so I am not worried. I might see it differently if I had a dog who is either very aggressive or very strong.

[Rivsky]

I play tug of war with River all the time and don't have any agression issues with him but I can see why people don't recommend playing it if you have a dominant dog. I think it's one of those games that you need to set the rules for and you need to decide when it ends just to make sure you remain the "boss".

[KCat]

for me it would depend on the dog. I could not play tug with Bayta - She would decide that the best way to get the tug toy from me was to grab it up near my hand, sometimes getting my hand. She wasn't aggressive, just smart and she did not mean to get my hand, just the toy. So it just wasn't something we could do. Yao Ming, OTOH, plays very gently (perhaps the Lab in him?) As someone else said, I play it lightly with him and I don't "play growl" like some people do. I don't want to encourage growling and other behaviors that could send the wrong signal. I only let him do so by dropping the toy *after* he has stopped tugging. Multiple times during the play I make him give it up, he has learned "give" and will immediately drop the rope for me. I don't let him jerk it out of my hands and for the most part, he doesn't try anyway. It's just fun for him, not major competition. He prefers the chase anyway.

[Aurora]

I used to when my dogs were lil puppies but as they got bigger gave it up coz they were getting to strong & I always lost!

Never an ounce of aggression was shown & they are the softest things ever.

[Pauline46]

Aurora, what kind of dog is that? ;)

[Doberman's]

I play tug of war with my two. :D They love it.

I agree with it depends on the dog, but with my tow it is a lot of fun and exercise.

[LillyBlaze]

I don't anymore. I was told by Bark Busters and several other trainers that it is one of the worst things to do if you want to establish and keep the alpha position - unless you never let them win.

[Aurora]

Aurora, what kind of dog is that? ;)

My dogs are Northern Inuits.

[sheplovr]

Hello friends, with working lines combined with show for beauty, the working lines one must be so careful with from Germany.
Tug of war is ok with some and some not at all depends on each dogs temperment, tug of war the dog must win. Pet n praise then. so it feels great, Germans do this to 8 wk old pups to see who has the drive for Shutzhund sport, I am not into that but it does help to determine alot of high drive if they continue to tug and growl. Not meaning bad pups just a work ethic to know what dogs are worth training or not. I see no need to play that much with dogs at play here as it can make for agression if left go toooo far. I know, been there....done that. One must be highly careful to know when to stop and to choose the dog that will tolerate and not be upset after the game. We just do the tennis ball and freezbe throwing for exercise and running after the golf cart for exercise daily and i am most content with that daily than anything that might promote competetion among them all and yes all 8 of them, pups are learning fast from good adults, so I am most careful on what I play and entertain with or do. No offense, most can do this with one or two dogs but me running a pack i must be highly alert as to what keeps a good pack coperating with me.....i am an old lady with severe Arthritis in hands, fingers, hips, knees, back, Oh geesss do not want to burden anybody with my health issues, enjoy your dog what works best for it. Be a Positive trainer or use of disapline...love your pets and enjoy them in whatever works for you each one..........:D

[Cheetah]

I don't anymore. I was told by Bark Busters and several other trainers that it is one of the worst things to do if you want to establish and keep the alpha position - unless you never let them win.

Bark Busters isn't right about everything. I have gone through a Bark Busters trainer, and she gave me all these fact sheets that had quite a few untrue things on them, such as "never play with your puppy with your hands," "never feed your dog/puppy from your hands," etc. They definitely helped me rid Eevee of her aggression problem, but that doesn't mean they know all. I still play tug with Eevee and it certainly hasn't brought her aggression back. I also play tug with Shippo. Both of them still know I'm the leader. A game of tug isn't going to change that...

[tosha-my-pitt]

Tug of war is Tosha's utmost FAV game!! Tug of war helps work certain muscles in the dog that they don't use with other work out games. It also Is healthy ( to an extent) for their gums and teeth... it helps strengthen them.
Tosha may growl and put on a show while playing but I can get right in her face and kiss her nose while playing. It's her butt you better not touch while she is playing! LOL!

[LillyBlaze]

Bark Busters isn't right about everything. I have gone through a Bark Busters trainer, and she gave me all these fact sheets that had quite a few untrue things on them, such as "never play with your puppy with your hands," "never feed your dog/puppy from your hands," etc. They definitely helped me rid Eevee of her aggression problem, but that doesn't mean they know all. I still play tug with Eevee and it certainly hasn't brought her aggression back. I also play tug with Shippo. Both of them still know I'm the leader. A game of tug isn't going to change that...

I never said that Bark Busters knew everything or that they were right about everything, nor did I say anyone should follow what I was told.. I was just stating the reason *I* don't play it with my dogs anymore.

[Doberman's]

I think maybe with a young dog it could cause problems with establishing dominance; a dog that still is figuring out it's place. I personally have never had an issue with playing tug of war but I can see how it may present a problem.

:)

[tosha-my-pitt]

"never feed your dog/puppy from your hands," etc.

The reason some trainers tell you this is because it prevents them from snagging food from your hand. It teaches the dog that the food in your hand is YOURS. When You drop the food on the floor, you say " thats yours" and it teaches them it os okay to take it from the floor, but not from my hands. And it is also another way to teach the dog who is Alpha. Which would be you of course.

[MegBonnie]

I have always played tug-of-war with all my dogs and they have all play growled while playing it. I have never ever had any problems whatsoever with aggression in a single one of my dogs. I do always make sure that my dogs know that when I tell them to drop, they do it. That way you're always the one that ends the game but not by just giving in to the dog.

They LOVE it - they could play waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay longer than me :)

[tessa_s212]

I have always played tug of war with my dogs. In fact, when looking for a new dog, play drive and willigness TO tug and play is what I look for.

I play tug with any dog that is willing, no matter their size. My biggest is an english pointer being 75 or so lbs. He's big, and he could easily pull me down, but he doesn't. It is all a matter of training. He also knows "give". If you are that worried about the alpha hype, simply don't let your dog win very often. Tell them "give" frequently and throw their toy for them to retrieve, and then tug some more. Usually the only time I let my dogs win is when I am just about finished playing. I let them win and have their toy, and I leave them to chew and do whatever they'd like with it.

It's a wonderful confidence boosting game for dogs, it burns alot of energy, and it is a great reward for agility training!

[champstaffs]

Hi there i play tug of war all the times with my dogs, i thinks it great for them and its playing, i think it keeps there jaws strong and strenthens there kneck muscles, i dont think it does then no harm al all

[Cheetah]

The reason some trainers tell you this is because it prevents them from snagging food from your hand. It teaches the dog that the food in your hand is YOURS. When You drop the food on the floor, you say " thats yours" and it teaches them it os okay to take it from the floor, but not from my hands. And it is also another way to teach the dog who is Alpha. Which would be you of course.

This is not true. Hand-feeding can be very beneficial. It can be used to prevent/curb food-aggression, and also teaches your dog that good things come from your hands, and also get them in the habit of watching your hands (Very great thing for agility).

I hand-feed Shippo periodically, making him work for it, and he has NEVER snatched food from my hands. He knows that unless it is offered to him, it is MINE. We are at the point now where I can also drop something on the floor, say "leave it" and he'll stay the heck away from it.

Hand-feeding does not make your dog think you are not "alpha." In fact, if you are making him work for his food, it will make him better see you as his leader. He will learn that you control/provide the food.

I think the trainers that say you should never ever hand-feed your dog under any circumstances are full of crap. There are good uses for it. I'm not talking about giving a dog food from the dinner table. I'm talking about hand-feeding them their own treats/food and making them work for it.

[Kat]

This is not true. Hand-feeding can be very beneficial. It can be used to prevent/curb food-aggression, and also teaches your dog that good things come from your hands, and also get them in the habit of watching your hands (Very great thing for agility).

I hand-feed Shippo periodically, making him work for it, and he has NEVER snatched food from my hands. He knows that unless it is offered to him, it is MINE. We are at the point now where I can also drop something on the floor, say "leave it" and he'll stay the heck away from it.

Hand-feeding does not make your dog think you are not "alpha." In fact, if you are making him work for his food, it will make him better see you as his leader. He will learn that you control/provide the food.

I think the trainers that say you should never ever hand-feed your dog under any circumstances are full of crap. There are good uses for it. I'm not talking about giving a dog food from the dinner table. I'm talking about hand-feeding them their own treats/food and making them work for it.

I totally agree with your entire post.
I have had excellent results preventing, as well as curing, food aggression by using the hand feeding approach.

As in most things, a qualified instructor makes all the difference. It is safe to say that some 'professional' dog trainers should not even be professional dog walkers.

[MxdBreedlvr]

Every dog is different so each and every instance is going to be different.
I don't play tug with my dog, because we both worked very very hard to curb his aggression and his need to try to establish himself as the pack leader in my house. Would he act aggresive to me if I played tug with him now, never. Would he if someone else did it, definately. But if your dog has never shown aggressive tendencies towards you then tug away!!! I would love to do it, but since I know Tucker, I know his limits. Actually, let me change that and say I would play tug with him now, but I would always always have to win, and thats no fun for him.
As for the hand feeding, again each instance is different. If your doing it to curb food aggression or food guarding its a must IMO. If your hand feeding because you feel its the only way to get your dog to eat, its not alright. If thats the case then your dog definately has you trained well...lol.

[ArticWonder]

I play tug o war with my dogs and so do my kids. I start when they are puppies and it is good excersize and helps build muscle. I have Alaskam Malamutes which are the strongest of breeds. I too, have heard it can make them agressive.

It is important when playing 'tug o war' that you are in control. By this I mean that you take control and make sure the dog does not get too aggressive about it, that the dog is 'just playing'. Then right when I am done playing, I take time to cuddle or pet the dog to show that I was playing a game and game time it over. They learn when I say done or stop that it means to stop. I get down and play rough and roll around with my dogs but they learn enough is enough and not to continue. This lesson will spill over to other situations too. Kinda like kids, when you tell them to quit playing and go to bed. Or stop them cuz they are getting to rough. Dogs can learn that too.

As the Dog Whisperer says, rules, bounderies and limitations.

[Scruffbag]

I play tug of war with Scruff but only at home.

I learnt my lesson a few weeks ago. He went round the whole park without the need for his lead. As we were heading back we started playing tug of war. After playing for about 5 minutes, I won the tug then threw his toy ring to fetch it. He picked it up, dropped it and ran straight past me and started to have a go at a terrier on a lead. It was embarrasing and totally out of character for him. So playing tug of war is restricted for home.

He does growl when we play but I know it's not threatening in anyway and his tail wags like mad! I never let him win to ensure he knows who's top dog and when I've had enough I will tell him to "Leave". At which point he lets me have the toy.

I'll then throw it so he can fetch it. THen I might chase him around a bit. Or he keeps running up to me to tease me with it and to get me to chase him. He's growling while he does this but it's all good fun. He's not really "Aggressive"in anyway but I could understand if his growling while he's playing can be misinterpreted as nasty. I just have to point out his wagging tail.

I think that playing tug is good fun for them as long as you remain in control. They are after all competing with you for ownership of the toy. By not letting them win you are showing who's dominant.

[ArticWonder]

Food in Hand, I have an opinion about this too. I CAN feed my pups and dogs from hand. I'll explain.

When my pups are little, I will feed pieces of dog food from my hand. I will teach them how and when. I don't just let them grab or take. I teach them they can have the food that is in my hand when I say it is ok. Never let them just take it. This teaches respect. If it falls on the floor, they learn they can have it when I say it is ok and not just take it. They don't get human food and No hand outs from plates. When I feed them their meals, they must sit and wait for me to tell them it is ok. They are not allowed to jump or just take it. I have 6 large breed dogs, 4 are malamutes. My 4 malamutes are a pack and are together. Not seperated in kennels. I feed them all at the same time without any trouble. The one that sits first gets fed first. Now it is a race to sit first. I can also reach into any bowl while they are eating or take any bone away. This is really important to be able to do. This is another sign that they respect me as the alpha.

It is truely amazing what and how much a dog can really learn if taught.

Rules, boundries and limitations - it works.

[KCat]

I have always played tug-of-war with all my dogs and they have all play growled while playing it. I have never ever had any problems whatsoever with aggression in a single one of my dogs.


Yeah, the play growl thing is probably not something I should worry about - but since he is blind and people already don't trust blind dogs, I do want to limit his growling to things that deserve growling (strangers in the back yard for example.) In as much as that is possible. He's not very vocal yet. I heard his first real bark & woof yesterday - he didn't like the sound of the neighbour's screaming kid. But Bayta wasn't very vocal either until she was about 3 or 4 years old. So it may just be that he's young. He's so big that it's a little humorous to hear his whine which still has a very soft puppy quality to it.