Tug of War

TUG O'WAR!

Should this game be forbidden?

Recommendations abound advising pet owners to avoid this game - for good reason, as it can easily go wrong if not played carefully.

This game can be a great energy outlet and awesome reward. It can help build leadership, or it can be a major contributing factor when leadership goes awry.

It's how you play the game.

Control is the main issue.

A dog, playing in an aroused state with his teeth, competing for a prized resource, must have very good bite inhibition and respect for the human on the other end of the toy.

When playing a game where teeth are so close to skin, it is absolutely critical that the dog understand the rules of the game - and that the human is making the rules, not the dog.

This is not a good game for an uncooperative, bossy or untrained canine! It can be a great way to build respect and cooperation, done right, as part of a leadership "make over" with the help of a knowledgable trainer..

Step one, BEFORE initiating any competitive pulling, is to teach the dog to take it and give it back.

"WAIT!"

No matter how long ... you must wait ...

No matter how badly
you want the toy ...

you must be patient ...

Unless you have this level of control, you should not play tug games!

The dog must wait until specifically told he may

"TAKE IT!"

"PULL!"

The game continues until the human gives the command to "drop it." When given the out cue, the dog should let go willingly and without complaint and wait for further instructions.

Use tug as a reward for compliant work. Give a series of obedience commands or stop and play controlled fetch games in between tugs.

A quick game of tug can be a great jackpot reward for superior work!

"DROP IT!"

Should you let your dog win occasionally? Sure! But don't chase him to get it back, if anything ignore him til he brings it back and re-engages you to play. The game should be more fun when you have the other end of the toy.

TIME OUT!

Leaping for the toy before told is not allowed. Any grabbing for the toy before permission is given causes the game to end immediately. The game will not resume until self-control is regained. If teeth touch skin, the game ends immediately.

The dog must stop and relinquish the toy when asked.

Rules of play:

The human

initiates the game

makes the rules

decides when to end the game

and keeps the toy when the game is over.

Get professional guidance before you start if you have leadership issues or if your dog is likely to become overly aroused. It can be a great way to GET control over an overly aroused dog, but must be taught with clear parameters.

Check out this great video of a controlled game with a toy:

Excellent article from the SanFrancisco SPCA on tug of war!
Another great article: "Dog Tugging Games Stimulate Performance"!

Dogs love to play tug!

This handout courtesy of © CAROL A. BYRNES "DIAMONDS IN THE RUFF"
Training for Dogs & Their People (509) 325-7833
ditr_training @ hotmail.com - http://www.diamondsintheruff.com

More about how to play with your dog:
Intelligent Diversions & Creative Play!