International Tug of War Day
Today is International Tug of War Day! Can you believe there used to be a myth that playing tug of war will cause your dog to be aggressive? It has since been debunked and is now believed to be a great game to play for both exercise and mental stimulation.
Whether you have never played tug of war with your pup before or are an avid tug of war player, here are some guidelines to help you and your pup play safely.
Tug Side to Side - Always tug in a side to side motion as tugging up and down can cause spine injuries.
Tug Gently - Particularly with young and senior pups, you want to tug gently as you could injure your pup’s mouth or cause them to lose a tooth. Plus, there is no reason to pull so hard the toy is ripped from their mouth. Instead, let them pull against you at their own will.
Set Clear Boundaries - Teach your dog to “wait” politely for the toy and to release the toy when requested. To start you may use treats as rewards. As your pup learns the game, you can use continuing to play the game as a reward as well.
Remember every pup is different and some pups growl while playing tug of war. This usually is play but could also be resource guarding. Analyzing your pup’s other body language during play will help you know how your pup is feeling. If you need help determining the reason your pup is growling or you have any concerns if tug of war is the right game for your pup, contact us at Little Paws Academy. We can help you decide on how best to proceed.
