Allow tug of war or not.

[Stacie]

Some people think that the game causes aggressive behavior and dominance. Some people think it's a healthy normal game for dogs to play. Do you play tug of war with your doodle? Why or why not?

 

[Lisa, Daisy & Dexter]

When Daisy was a baby we did not play the game but once the rules were established about the game, no crazy growling or lunging probably around 8 months, we play it all the time. She absolutely loves tug of war, and has never been aggressive.

[Barbara B., Sasha & Oliver]

I play T of W with my babies and they also play Tof W with each other. I have no agression or dominance issues with either of my dogs. Sasha loves Tof W more than Oliver, I think it is a great game to play as long as it is not effecting anyone negatively.

[Jennifer Tramell]

As long as your dog doesn't show a tendency towards aggression or dominance, I think it's just fine.  I know people with some terriers, especially schnauzers, who avoid this game because their dogs take it too seriously and do have aggressive tendencies.  We've always played tug but we end it if the dog gets too intense.  If our dog gets too intense, we turn it into a lesson on letting go or dropping the toy/rope.  I'm always amazed at how strong a dog is - I tire much faster than them ;-)

[Camilla and Darwin]

Yes, we play  tug-of-war. We always give him the drop it command a few times in the game, and he always drops it promptly.

[Jodi and Stella]

Stella and I play tug of war but during our game I will tell her to "drop it" occasionally and then resume playing. I feel it lets her know who's in charge and reinforces the command.

[Sue, Murphy and Bella ()*o*()]

Mine love playing tug of war and it seems perfectly normal and harmless. No one "wins" or "looses". It's done with the tug toys and always fun for us all. I guess if it brought out an aggressive tendency or dominance we wouldn't do it, but we don;t have any issues with it. Both my doodles "Drop" or "Leave it" or "give" very well, so it's never a war with the toy or anything else for that matter. I can't imagine that they think of it in terms of winning or loosing, especially if either of us just let go. Anyone have thoughts on that?

 

[Michele, Biscuit & Mo]

I always play tug of war with Penny (and probably will with Biscuit, too, if they let me!).  The most important thing I learned was to set boundaries, and everyone once in a while, do the "drop it" command.  The reward is for me to throw the rope toy, have them retrieve it, and then tug a little more.  Penny couldn't be a more laid back pup, and I think Biscuit will be the same way.

[Brenda F]

I never used to think one way or the other about tug of war until I read in one of my puppy books about a golden retriever who accidentally strangled the little girl in the family with her scarf while they were playing outside.  Apparently it was winter, she had her scarf tied around her neck and while they were playing he grabbed the end and would not let go.  I don't know how old the girl was, they were obviously unsupervised, but she was strangled.  So anyway, since reading that, it kind of freaked me out, especially since I have a 10 year daughter and an 8 year old son.  We have never played it with him as a result of that.  But Pepsi loves to play "keep away" with his toys.

[Maryann,Roo and Tigger]

I think it is perfectly okay to "play" tug of war with your dog.  Many of the best trained and behaved dogs on the planet - skilled agility dogs - really dig tug og war. 

 

I do not play it with Roo or Tigger because neither of them is remotely interested in playing it with me.  They much prefer fetch, chase, steal, cuddle, hide and seek etc.