Tug of War

[Leslie, Yogi & Maci Bear]

I wonder if you guys play tug of war with your doodles. I've seen it said it's not a good idea. We always did with our previous dogs, but not Yogi. I'm asking because it seems he really wants to.
Do you think it's a bad idea? Maybe makes them aggressive or something?

[Joani, Skadi & Elli]

When Skadi was little...sigh...she would get super excited and jumpy when I would play tug and other running games...so, the trainer told me to play more calmly until she got older.  I stopped with the running games and she stopped trying to rip my gloves off my hands!  Today I can play whatever...she loves it all...running, tug, hide and seek, ball etc.  She really really loves tug...but I waited until she was around 6 months.

I guess as long as your puppy doesn't get aggressive with tug I would say go ahead, have fun!  Each dog is so different and unique.  There are a lot of good tips on the internet regarding playing tug and simple rules to follow.

Enjoy! P.S. Your Yogi is an absolute cutie pie!

[Julie and Max]

I play tug of war with Max and I use this guide

http://www.quickanddirtytips.com/pets/dog-behavior/playing-tug-of-w...

I have found it very helpful and it actually helps to teach bite inhibition and control for a dog. 

[Kelly & Zoe]

+1 on that guide - it's excellent!  We play tug-of-war with Zoe all the time - and it's really the only time she growls (playfully!) during play time.  I think it you follow the rules in this guide you should be fine.  It's one of our favorite games!  We end with lots of hugs and cuddles.

[Rosemary (Ro) and Enzo]

Ditto here!  Enzo loves to play tug of war and growls ever so quietly....LOL...It's more of a moan than a growl.  We use the game to incorporate the "drop it" command....which she does wonderfully.

My last Golden was a certified Therapy Dog.  We taught him to tug as well...worked great with kids and adults too, for PT sessions.  (Except for the time the 90lb dog, almost pulled the 90lb man out of his wheelchair...but we don't speak of that!  ;)  )

[Deborah Brown]

Great tips!  I would teach my dog "leave it" with a tug toy by offering a treat.  The dog has to open his mouth for the treat so it's a sure thing.  ;)  (And, if not, the dog is well over threshold and needs a different game.)

[Wendy and Myla]

We have a rope that hangs from the top bar of the swing set and Myla plays tug with it constantly - it's fun to watch her - she will put the rope in her mouth and shake her head from side to side and pulls on it - she actually makes growling noises at it when she's shaking it!  If the grandkids are outside and aren't playing with her Myla will run to the rope and start pulling! It's hilarious!

[Marni and Hanna]

I read the same things too-some said dont play tug, others encouraged it.....I did not play it much with Hanna as a puppy, but then started playing tug later on shen she was a little more mature.  Im no expert, but Ive also read that tug is often used as a "reward" for some dogs similar to fetching or inplace of treats, so I figured (?!) it couldnt be that bad!.  Hanna plays fine with tug-never even growls.  I also use it as a "training opportunity" for the "let go" or "drop it" command and she does fine with it--she loves a good tug! 

[Leslie, Yogi & Maci Bear]

Thanks for the replies everyone. Helpful as always!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

It's not so much that it makes a dog aggressive as that it encourages a dog to grab and try to pull things out of your hand, or even grab hold of your clothing. Most people who have been through the puppy stages know that's not a good idea with most puppies, lol. 

So i would not play tug with a puppy. With a calm adult dog who has had enough training to have a solid "drop it", and to know the difference between a game with a toy and everything else, it may be okay. It depends on the individual dog.

If you do play tug, never hold the toy up above the dog and encourage him to jump for it. Get down on his level, the way another dog would. 

[Sally S Miles]

We never played tug with previous dogs, but Journey loves to play tug. I did study up on the rules,  and love the link provided.  She only got to play tug because she had earned the right to do so. 

She is not allowed to take anything not offered - I will say she has her own drummer, taught her to heel by playing tug with her Bumi... go figure. So she plays with Elmer now and teaches him to follow her around and they tug - but only with the approved rubber toys. Yes, she can get a bit vocal sometimes - especially when she wants more, but getting too vocal or getting pushy means 'game over' and she hates that phrase.  

First rule I was told - to play tug with your dog make sure you can win.  

[Kris and Sawyer]

Tug of war is Sawyer's favorite game, but we also did not allow it when he was very young. I think he was 6 months when we played willfully. He play growls and we play growl back at him...he loves it. He acts all ferocious and will get right up in your face and just when you think he's about to get you, he licks you to death. I'm sure there are trainers/owners out there that would say we aren't playing with him right, but I think you just need to know your dog. Sawyer does not care if we get in his space or his face at all...he just thinks it's all play. My husband plays really rough with him, they push and shove into each other, wrestle, etc... But as soon as he says we're done, Sawyer stops. Of course, Sawyer will relentlessly keep dropping a ball or toy in his lap to engage him again, but it's quiet and polite! :-)

[Adina P]

I think it's fine to play following some of the guidelines others have mentioned.