Every dog is different. Some dogs love to run from room to room, some love to chase a tennis ball and, if they’re lucky, get it back. Some enjoy playing tug-of-war.
Safely playing tug-of-war is a great way for dogs to expend energy and stimulates their predatory instincts. It serves as a reward during training, helps teach self-control, and helps to strengthen the bond between the two of you.
However, while tug-of-war is generally a healthy game for dogs, there are some factors to consider when playing tug-of-war with your puppy.
Why do dogs love tug-of-war?
Tug of war appeals to a dog’s natural instincts and seems to be a natural game for most dogs.
- Co-op play – Dogs know they are playing when they play tug-of-war. They use it to build a strong bond with their owners, and it usually goes well until the dog accidentally grabs the owner’s finger instead of the toy.
- Predatory instinct – Dogs are natural predators. Dogs have been domesticated for ages, and a game of tug-of-war stimulates this instinct in dogs, allowing them to practice catching prey and keeping it away from other animals. This makes tug-of-war an engaging and motivating game for your puppy.
- It’s fun to chew – Dogs have sharp teeth and strong jaws, and they like to exercise them. As an extension of their prey instinct, they instinctively try to grab things and pull them apart.
4 Benefits of Playing Tug of War with Your Puppy
While there are some things to keep in mind when playing tug-of-war, it’s generally a safe game to encourage. Tug-of-war offers several benefits to your dog, including:
1. Build bonds
Playing with dogs is a great way to bond, you both have fun while playing with each other and playing tug of war might even help you bond, it’s also a great way to get to know new dogs and maintain bonds with existing ones.
2. It builds trust
As part of this bond building, your dog will learn to trust you more, so this can be a very helpful tool if you are just getting started with a dog or if you have a new dog and want your dog to trust you. Your dog will understand that tug-of-war is a game and they will effectively cooperate with you in the game.
3. It’s good exercise
It may not seem like much exercise, but after a few minutes of playing, you’ll see that it uses a lot of muscles — and if it makes your arm muscles burn, imagine what it can do to your dog’s jaw, neck, shoulders, legs and back.
Although humans are the first to give up on most of these games, they still provide plenty of exercise for dogs, and because they can be played both indoors and outdoors and don’t require much space, they’re a convenient way to burn off some excess energy.
4. It can prevent unwanted behavior
Burning off excess energy not only ensures your dog gets a healthy amount of exercise, it also tires him out and exercises his brain. Physical and mental exercise keeps your dog stimulated, making them less likely to pick up bad habits or unwanted behaviors.
If you notice your dog chewing on things in the house, even carpets and furniture, setting up tug-of-war games can help curb this behavior. This can be used to redirect unwanted behaviors, such as biting, in your puppy.
Is it safe?
Tug of war is generally safe, but some precautions should be taken for both you and your dog: Make sure the toy is sturdy enough and has no sharp edges that could cut your dog’s mouth or paws, and it should be sturdy enough that it won’t break and pose a choking hazard to your dog.
When playing, make sure your dog has a firm grip on the toy before starting the game. Play on surfaces your dog can grip, such as carpet or grass, and avoid slippery tile or laminate floors. Keep tug toys close to the ground and when your dog pulls, keep his feet on the floor and his spine straight. Move from side to side, as your dog would play naturally, and let your dog do most of the work. Avoid up and down movements, as these can strain the neck and spine. Dogs with back or neck problems generally should not play tug games.
How long should you play tug-of-war with your dog?
There is no set time for playing tug-of-war with your dog. You need to look for signs that your dog has had enough. There are obvious signs: if your dog walks away, don’t push him. If he starts breathing heavily and panting excessively, give him some water and let him rest for a while.
Playing for too long can make your dog uncomfortable and overstimulated. It can also make your dog bored with a game that you and he previously enjoyed. Generally, 5-10 minutes total is sufficient. Alternate short tug-of-war sessions with impulse control training. Short tug-of-war games are good to give as rewards during general training sessions.
Would it be a good idea to let them win?
Allowing your dog to win at tug-of-war will help his confidence and keep him interested – if he loses every time you play, he will not be motivated to play again the next time you get the leash.
Ensuring your puppy knows the “drop” cue will help them exercise impulse control during tug-of-war sessions. It’s essential that your puppy knows how to drop an item if he picks up something dangerous or gets too excited during a tug-of-war.
Is it bad for your teeth?
Being too vigorously when playing tug-of-war can damage your dog’s teeth and cause dental problems, especially in puppies and older dogs who already have dental problems.
As mentioned above, keep the toy close to the ground and let your dog do most of the work, adjusting the strength of the tug toy to suit the dog you’re playing with.
Does tug-of-war tire out your dog?
Although it may not seem like it will tire your dog out because he doesn’t move around much from one spot, tug-of-war uses a lot of muscles and requires a lot of effort. It can become a very tiring game.
They can also be played indoors, making them a great way to get exercise on rainy days. They don’t replace walking or other regular exercise, but they are a great addition to your daily exercise schedule.
Conclusion
Tug of war is a favorite pastime for many dogs and their owners. It’s easy to play, requires nothing more than a good rope toy, and is a great way to bond with your dog while keeping them healthy.
You have to be careful not to overdo it, and it’s not a suitable game for all dogs, but for most dogs, tug-of-war is a healthy game and can really benefit your relationship with your dog.
Featured image credit: Hero Images Inc, Shutterstock
