Playing Tug of War With Your Dog: A Safe and Fun Guide
Tug of war is a natural activity that many dogs enjoy, showcasing their predatory instincts. It offers excellent mental and physical exercise while strengthening the bond between you and your dog.
To play safely, ensure you and your dog know the rules and boundaries before starting. These ensure the game remains controlled. With proper training, you can confidently enjoy tug of war together.
Teach a Release Command
Establish a command like drop it before starting tug of war. This helps stop the game if needed. Ensure your dog masters this command to avoid issues.
Choose a Toy
Pick a dog toy that is designed for tugging, and that you won't use for other games such as fetch. The toy should be durable and flexible. The best tug toys are typically made out of rubber or similar material and have a comfortable handle that keeps your hand away from the dog's mouth. Good choices include the Kong Tug and the Orbee-Tuff Tug.
Pick a Spot
Select a spacious area free from distractions or hazards. While outdoors is ideal, tug of war is safe indoors with enough space. Ensure there's room to move without obstacles should either of you need to back up.
Initiate the Game
Always initiate tug of war games to establish the tone. Decide the rules and when you and your dog will play.
Take Breaks
During tug of war, your dog may growl. This is normal, as the game itself is predatory behavior. However, it is important to keep your dog from becoming overly excited or aggressive, and take breaks to keep the game from getting out of control.
Growling with a wagging tail is generally okay; however, take a break if it becomes intense or if you're uncomfortable.
If your dog's teeth come into contact with you at any point, play should stop immediately. Let out a yelp, say your release command, and then take the toy and walk away for at least 30 seconds.
It's OK to let your dog win while playing tug of war. In fact, it's a great idea. Winning builds its confidence and rewards the animal. However, if the dog misbehaves during the game, you should be the one who ends up with the toy.
Two dogs can play tug of war with one another as long as they get along on a normal basis. The game should be supervised, and the same rules apply. Take breaks if they don't follow rules, as this will help keep it from getting out of control.
To take a break, stop tugging and use the release command. Take 30 seconds or so to go through basic commands like sit and down. Once your dog seems more relaxed, the game may resume.
Problems and Proofing Behavior
Regularly practice the release command during tug of war to ensure your dog drops the toy without hesitation. This reinforces training, similar to proofing other behaviors.
If your dog bites two or three times, even accidentally, end tug of war for the day. This teaches caution with its teeth. Grazing may occur due to the game's nature, but understanding the rules will improve your dog's care.
Playing tug of war with your dog can be rewarding. Games offer mental and physical stimulation for your dog and also serve as exercise for you.
