Breaking Free from Tug-of-War Myths
For years, I’ll admit, I shied away from a truly enriching and exhilarating pastime with my dogs: tug-of-war. I had always heard warnings that playing this game could turn our beloved pets into aggressive beasts, or worse yet, make them think they were the “alpha” of the house.
But the more I explored ways to connect with my canine companions, the more I realized that the conventional wisdom I’d grown up with was nothing but B.S.
Unleashing Team Spirit: Tug-of-War as a Team-Building Exercise
Picture this: a pack of dogs on a hunt, chasing down a moose for a meal. One dog latches onto a leg, another grabs the nose, a third seizes the tail. Together, they tug and pull, working in unison to bring down a very large animal that is many times their size. There is no “dominant” dog that wins in this scenario; it’s a team effort.
Knowing this, we can transform a simple game of tug-of-war into an energy-releasing training exercise that helps us bond more strongly with our pets.
The beauty is that, with very little equipment needed, it’s easily portable and can be played anywhere.
Dogs can even become so enamored with this game that it can be used as a form of positive reinforcement for other training sessions, such as tracking or obedience training.
All we need to play is a tug toy, a set of rules, and some treats.
Rule One: Teeth Touching Skin = GAME OVER
Safety should always be the number one priority in our mind, especially in a world where reported bite statistics are on the rise. Even if you trust your dog, you must always remember they are predators with essentially carpets knives in their mouth. If things get out of hand during a play session, someone could get seriously injured.
Dogs are incredibly adept at controlling their teeth, even when caught up in an intense game like tug-of-war. If during a game, your dog’s teeth accidentally (or intentionally) make contact with your skin, immediately yelp “OUCH!” and stop the game.
Turn away from your pup, remove the toy from their mouth if you safely can, and ignore them for a minute or two. The sudden cessation of fun will reinforce the rule that teeth should never touch human skin.
As pet guardians, it’s our job to not only do the initial training of basic rules, but also to consistently reinforce these rules daily for the dog’s entire lives. Dogs thrive on consistency, and allowing them to bend these rules now and then can be confusing and undermine our shared bond with them.
Rule Two: Dog Drops Tug on Command
Having a dog that will drop a toy or object on command isn’t just a nifty trick to showcase; it’s also a valuable skill that enhances communication and boosts safety. Over time, mastering this skill can help prevent resource guarding behaviors, a common issue that can sadly lead to pets being surrendered to shelters each year.
When teaching this skill, remember to sweeten the deal by offering something even better in exchange for the toy. Once you have their prized possession, reward them with a treat, then promptly return their beloved toy back to them.
With patience and consistent training, your pup can become a pro at this, strengthening the bond of trust and cooperation between you and your four-legged friend.
However, if your dog struggles with resource guarding, it is highly advisable to seek the guidance of a certified dog trainer experienced in addressing this type of behavior safely and effectively.
Rule Three: Dog Cannot Take Tug Until Invited
Training your buddy to hold off on starting a game until you’ve given the green light to play is like teaching them the art of patience, with a side of adorable anticipation. The magic trick here? The good old standard “wait” command.
- Start by grabbing their tug toy and, trust me, they’ll be doing that happy wiggle-butt dance of joy. But here is where the fun begins. Hold out the toy to them, but do not let them grab it.
- Give a clear “wait” cue and make them pause for a moment. This is not just for good manners; it’s an excellent way to sharpen their obedience skills.
- When you finally say “go” or “grab,” you’ll see that tail wag like crazy and the dog throw its entire body into a playtime frenzy. Another win-win, your pup becomes better behaved and they get the fun of the ultimate game countdown.
Ready to Take on the Challenge?
By embracing these rules and understanding the natural instincts that drive your dog’s love for tug-of-war, you can turn this simple game into a delightful, safe, and bonding experience for both of you and your furry friends. So, grab those tug toys, get ready for some tail-wagging fun, and let the games begin!
Key Takeaways:
- Tug-of-War is a great way to mentally wear out your dog
- Make sure you have guidelines to make the game safe for everyone playing
- Teeth must NEVER touch human skin during this game
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