Playing Tug With Your Dog

I am often asked if a dog should play tug.  Some people are concerned that their dog will become aggressive if playing tug with a person.  This is not the case if you play by a few simple rules.  A noted study by Dr. Rooney & Dr. Bradshaw confirm this.  No rules can easily cause your dog to become too aroused and not in control of himself.  Played right, tugging is a fun & cooperative came to play with your dog & increases your dogs self control.

Safety first.  You will want to ensure that your dog is physically able to play the game of tug.  According to one chiropractic, if your dog has neck, disc, spine or arthritis, this tugging should be avoided.   You will also want your dog to take the lead in tugging & not to get too carried away.

Soft Fleece Tug

The right kind of tug toy.  Long & soft!  When playing tug with your dog, you want to make sure both of you get a good grip & help avoid those dog teeth on your delicate skin.  Soft.  I prefer fleece tug toys.  These are much softer than rope, and if your dog plays with it himself, he wont bonk his head with a hard rope, or rubber attachment.  Fleece dog tugs are also easy to wash & re-tie.  Here is how to make a fleece tug toy!

Some dog tug rules to play by.  Teach your dog a good drop it.  Only play with specific tug toys (your dogs ball is not a tug toy).  Teach a "get it" and not allow your dog to jump & grab the tug toy unless you give permission.  You or your clothing is not part of the tug game.  Your dog IS ALLOWED & I encourage you to let him WIN the game!  What a great confidence boost for dogs lacking self esteem.

How to play tug with your dog.  Playing hard to get is usually one of the best ways to encourage your dogs interest in something.  Start inside your house without any distractions.  Tell your dog, "get it" as you take the tug & drag it on the floor in a strange & exciting pattern.  If your dog shows any interest, tell him how smart he is & keep encouraging him.  You will want your dog to get a grasp & feel confident in that before putting any resistance on it.  If this step is challenging for your dog, you can reward each attempt with a food treat.

After your dog builds confidence in grabbing the toy(this may take weeks for some dogs who are unsure about play), start to add resistance by holding the tug still, so your dog has to pull the tug.  Again, encourage your dog for this pulling so he knows its ok & fun.  Build this sequence until your dog is readily & happily grabbing the tug toy (after you say, "get it").

Once you have built your dogs confidence in grabbing & tugging the toy, throw in your drop it cue & rewardfor dropping.  For a refresher in drop it, you can put a smelly dog treat by your dogs nose, or bring the tug in close to your body & hold tight until he drops.

Quick Tips:

·        Get It-gives your dog permission to grab at the dog tug.  If he goes to grab before you give his cue, quickly bring the tug toy up to your chest & wait for your dog to stop grabbing & jumping.  When he does, try again.

·        Dont forget to teach a good drop.  If your dog usually drops, but is not in the game, slow down the tugging energy, less time before a drop.  You can also add food to boost the speed of the drop in the beginning.

·        Over Arousal issues.  If you are not able to get your dog to do his basic behaviors like sit & drop, then the game is too stimulating.  Slow it down, dont play as long.

·        Youre NOT the toy.  Any dog teeth on your skin or clothing abruptly ends the game.  Stop immediately & bring that tug to your chest.  As soon as your dog stops, play again.  I usually give a dog 3 times in a session to get it before calling it quits for the session.

·        Vocalization.  Some dogs are very vocal, particularly in tug.  If your dog is vocal during tug, that is ok.  But re-read the over arousal tip.  As long as that is good, no worries.  If the vocalization changes (gets louder, or more intense), I slow the game down a bit.

·        Guarding.  If your dog has issues with resource guarding (not wanting you to take prized items) please speak with a qualified dog behavior counselor first.

Stuffed Kong

·        All done.  When you are done playing, tell your dog, "all done" so he knows you are finished.  Feel free to allow him to keep his prize, or put it away if you are trying to keep tug very motivating.  If putting away, please give your dog a stuffed Kong or similar to chew on.  End on a high note.

If your dog is unsure how to play, I love Play Together, Stay Together by Dr. Patricia McConnell.  And Play With Your Dog by Pat Miller is another good one.

Enjoy playing with your dog!

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