Chances are your dog loves to play tug-of-war. As with much of canine play, this game is based on a dog's deeply ingrained hunting instinct. Debate exists as to whether tug-of-war is a healthy-or even safe—outlet for your dog. Will it cause aggression? Can it cause physical harm? Or is it safe to say that all's fair in tug-of-war?

Why dogs love to tug

Tug-of-war has its roots in the ancestral hunt. After searching and stalking, the canine predator would pull down the prey and deliver the killing bite. It may be hard to think of dear Fido as a bloodthirsty killer, however, domestic dogs still harbor varying degrees of prey drive. Dogs are happiest when their natural urges are satisfied through play.

Is it safe?

While playing tug is very rewarding to most dogs, the game has somewhat of a bad rap. Many think it's risky and can lead to an out-of-control dog. Indeed there are cases where it's not safe:

• Dogs with aggression issues. Dogs with possessive or dominant aggression should never be allowed to play tug. These dogs can get too worked up. The game easily crosses over into true aggression (see box, below). Fetch would a more appropriate choice for such a dog.
• Children should never be allowed to play tug with a dog. This is because children may be less able to set limits with the dog. They may miss the signs that the game has gone too far. A child's smaller size and weight also puts them at a disadvantage. Severe injury could result. The same holds true for frail or elderly people who could suffer serious injury from a dog bite.
• Dental issues. Many veterinarians and trainers discourage tug-of-war games for puppies and young dogs before teeth and jaws are fully developed. The risk of dental injury is too great. Dentition is usually mature by 8-9 months of age. Even mature dogs have been known to need extractions and root canals from overly-vigorous tugging. Unfortunately this goes with the territory.

Signs of aggressive behavior

• Stiff body
• Tail raised high
• Unblinking eye contact
• Snarling
• Low growl
• Hackles raised

Any of these signs during play indicate it's no longer just fun and games. Promptly drop the toy and walk away. Do not attempt to correct, yell at, or hit a dog that turns aggressive during play. You could get hurt. Consult your veterinarian for specific advice on managing your dog's aggression.

• Arthritis sufferers. Because tug is a full-body game, dogs with arthritis and other orthopedic problems are at increased risk for injury.

Despite all these caveats, most experts agree that playing tug is fine for most dogs. There is no proof that tug-of-war makes “normal” dogs aggressive. Benefits include a great form of exercise, a way to bond with your dog, and a way to leave him happy and exhausted. Tug-of-war is so rewarding, it's a mainstay in high-intensity training programs such as agility and search-and-rescue. It's also a way to reinforce important commands like “leave it” in the face of extreme distraction or excitement. Be sure to use durable but flexible tug toy that keeps your hands at a safe distance from those pearly whites.

The rules

“A good way to look at it is that the dog has to follow certain rules if he is going to play tug games with people,” states Dr. Laurie Bergman, a licensed Veterinary Behaviorist at Metropolitan Veterinary Associates outside Philadelphia. Her prescription for tug-of-war is as follows:

1. People must start and end the game. Have your dog in a calm sit/stay before the game can start. The dog is not allowed to pester. Tugging and pulling at clothing is not tolerated. Incessant nudging with a drool-soaked tug toy is never allowed. Keeping the toy out of sight (and therefore out of mind) when not in use may prevent your dog from…hounding you.
2. The dog must be able to relinquish the toy on command. Separately teach your dog a “leave it” or “drop it” command whereby he or she drops the tug toy in exchange for a food treat. Periodically pause the tug sessions by giving the leave-it command. Put your dog in a calm sit-stay for several seconds before offering the toy again. This helps you retain the upper hand.
3. Letting your dog “win.” Opinions differ as to whether the dog should keep the tug toy in the end. Dr. Bergman states that it's OK for your dog to occasionally “win” the toy as long as he or she can relinquish it on command at any time. This may prevent trust issues, especially in possessive dogs.
   Others, including the ASPCA, recommend having a dedicated tug toy and bringing it out only when it's playtime. In this case, once play is over, give the “leave it” command and reward your dog with a food treat or a toy of even greater value. Promptly hide the tug toy away until the next session. These cues help your dog know when it's time to play tug—and when it isn't. Which strategy works best depends on your individual dog.
4. The leash is NOT a tug toy! Biting and pulling at the leash during walks is a common misbehavior among pups and young dogs, but it is never acceptable, for obvious reasons. If your dog tries to initiate this game, let the leash go slack, give a firm correction, and then the “leave it” command. When he starts walking correctly again, give treats and enthusiastic praise for good manners.
5. Mistakes are not allowed. Dogs are not allowed to grab human body parts. A one-strike-you're-out rule applies. If your dog's teeth touch your skin, simply drop the toy and walk away. Game over. Your dog will quickly learn that if she gets rough, the fun stops.
6. The person must feel comfortable with the game. If you are getting a “bad vibe” from your dog, trust your instincts. No game is worth getting yourself hurt. This game is not right for all dogs. Fetch or hide-and-seek (with a favorite toy) might be more appropriate. See box for signs that your dog's behavior has crossed the line.

All dogs are individuals. For the best advice about suitable and safe games, be sure to consult your veterinarian.

Sources:

Disclaimer: This website is not intended to replace professional consultation, diagnosis, or treatment by a licensed veterinarian. If you require any veterinary related advice, contact your veterinarian promptly. Information at DogHealth.com is exclusively of a general reference nature. Do not disregard veterinary advice or delay treatment as a result of accessing information at this site.