Tug Toys
Is it okay to play tug games with your dog?
Like many answers, it depends. Tug games are not necessarily bad nor non-permissible, but the bigger consideration is that not all “play” is beneficial. There are dogs you could do most anything within reason and not create a problem. Answering the question as it applies to a group and not an individual my recommendation is to only play tug with a dog after they have learned to share. Since tug is a competitive game that contains the element of possession and control we do not want to strengthen this behavior without putting some controls on this behavior. One of the first considerations is to not heighten a dog’s possessiveness over an item. How do you teach a dog to share? You teach them to retrieve which is the concept of sharing something with you. This is especially important for owners of guarding breeds like German Shepherds, Rottweilers, Dobermans, etc… and even terrier breeds since we never breed or wanted them to share their kills with us.
Another thing to consider is that many dogs can become over-aroused and we can lose control of the game and dog. That does not mean we need to win every time. Since we can’t fix normal, the goal is to put those behaviors under our control through training. Dogs only do what you teach them or allow them to do. Genetics and previous learning gives opportunities for behaviors to develop, but the environment we establish gives the dog the opportunities to practice this behavior. It’s always best to prevent behavior we don’t want to see develop.
The question is has the dog’s play or training been designed to put their instincts and behavior under our control? Or has the training been designed to make sure those instincts and their behavior is completely out of our control? With some dogs we can create a character flaw. I like to start with games where dogs’ and I are on the same team, and I am the team captain. Control the games, control the dog. Toys and games can be as important to a dog’s development as they are for children. Toys can do more than keep dogs entertained and occupied. They can assist dogs with their social and emotional development. The key is to structure games in a positive manner with rules.
John Rogerson’s book “The Dog Vinci Code” lays out four rules for playing tug-a-war games.
“Rule number one is that the dog should only start the game at the owner’s request. “
“Rule number two is that if the dog becomes over-excited then a time-out is called to allow the dog to cool off.”
“Rule number three is that the dog should only ever pull at the toy by thrusting away from your hand as he pulls. On no account encourage him to shake his head during the game as this can very quickly lead to him becoming so over-excited that you lose all control of him and he of himself.”
“Rule number four is that these early tugging games only ever take place when he has a lead or line attached to his collar, to prevent him from running away with the toy.”
“After playing tugging games with a young dog for around a week, it is time to try the test of possession. During a game of tugging, let go of the toy and stand still. Your dog should now either drop the toy and look at you, or better still, try to put the toy back in your hand. Either result tells you that your dog now only thinks it is a fun game if you are participating in it with him. If he runs away with the toy when you let go of it, this tells you he does not want you to have it and you are now encouraging him to be possessive.” The Dog Vinci Code by John Rogerson If your dog is possessive of things e.g. toys, food, or places go to the “Guarding Possessions” page.
None of these toys hold any magical value. You will need to make play fun for your dog. If you have any challenges read Chapter 19 of "The Dog Vinci Code" by John Rogerson.
These toys are for play, not chew toys so dogs’ should only ave access to these during play.
1.5" x 10" single jacket Firehose Tug with double rope Loop handle
1.75 double jacket fire hose with double rope handles. Floats
Hemp Rope Toys.
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