Whether your dog loves a high-energy tug session, enjoys a calm game, or prefers shredding a stuffed toy, playing tug is a great way to meet their natural needs. Not only is it a fun way to bond, but it taps into their instincts, burns energy, and helps with mental stimulation.
But just like any game, it’s important to play safely! Below, we’ve gathered some helpful tips to ensure that both you and your dog have the best time possible, while keeping things safe and healthy for everyone involved.
The Benefits of Tug of War for Dogs
Before we dive into the safety tips, let’s quickly look at why tug of war is so great for your pup:
1. Taps into Natural Instincts
Celebrate National Tug of War Day with fun, safe play that burns energy and stimulates your dog's mind. Check out our tips to keep the game enjoyable and healthy for both of you!
2. Burns Energy
Tug is a great way to get dogs moving, burn off energy, and provide a healthy outlet for excitement. It’s an excellent indoor exercise, perfect for smaller spaces or rainy days. Tug can also be a valuable activity for reactive dogs who aren’t ready to spend long periods of time outside.
3. Impulse Control
Tug is a GREAT way to build your dog’s impulse control. Teaching a command like “toy” before they grab it helps structure the game, keeps it easy to control, and allows you to initiate play. Using commands like “drop it” or “out” reinforces their ability to listen and follow commands even in high-arousal situations. Strengthening this on-and-off switch during tug can also improve their self-control in other training situations.
4. Mental Stimulation
Tug isn’t just about burning physical energy—it also gives your dog a mental workout. Engaging their brain during play helps keep them sharp, focused, and even more tired afterward. Incorporate commands like “sit” or “down” after “out”, then reward them with the “toy” command to restart the game. Practicing these skills in a fun, high-energy setting helps reinforce them in other areas of training, making it easier for your dog to listen in everyday situations.
5. Bonding and Confidence Building
Playing tug helps build a positive relationship between you and your dog. It’s a great way to reinforce your bond while giving them the opportunity to feel confident, especially when you let them win from time to time!
6. Let Off Some Steam (for the Humans)
Tug of war isn’t just for your dog—it’s a great way for you to let off some steam too! Puppies and dogs can be frustrating at times, so use this time to vent your frustrations in a healthy way—make growling noises or playful trash talk (all in good fun, of course)! Just remember, no yelling or discipline during playtime—it’s all about enjoying each other’s company and having fun together.
Tug of War: How to Play Safe and Smart
Tug of War is a fun, engaging game for you and your dog, but it’s important to keep a few safety tips in mind. Here’s how to make sure both you and your pup get the most out of your tug of war sessions—safely!
✔️Be Gentle
Always be mindful and cautious during tug play. Avoid yanking or swinging your dog side to side. Don’t pull harder than your dog is pulling—let them do most of the work. When you do pull, keep their feet on the ground and move the toy in a figure-eight motion to keep the game fun and balanced. Be extra careful with puppies and older dogs, as they can have more sensitive jaws and teeth that may be loose or more prone to injury.
✔️ Teach a Solid ‘Out’ Command
A strong ‘out’ or ‘drop it’ command is essential for playing tug safely. It teaches your dog to release the toy when needed, which not only helps maintain control during the game but also prevents any accidental bites or rough play.
✔️ Let Them Win!
Tug of war isn’t just about winning—it’s about bonding and building confidence. Letting your dog win occasionally gives them a boost of confidence and keeps the game enjoyable for them. It also teaches them that bringing a toy to you is a fun experience, rather than needing to possess it. It’s all about creating a balance of fun, engagement, and encouragement!
✔️ Keep It Fair (No Hands vs. Teeth!)
While it may be tempting to let your dog tug on your hand or sleeve (especially when they’re puppies), it’s important to keep the focus on the toy. Letting your dog grab clothing can lead to painful nips or accidents. Keep the game fair and fun by making sure only the toy is involved. If they grab something inappropriate, stop the game immediately and only resume once they’re using the right toy. You can take it a step further by designating a specific toy just for tug of war, helping them learn not to pull on other household items like clothes or pillows.
✔️ Always Supervise When Dogs Are Playing Together
If dogs are playing together, it’s important to supervise the game closely. While tug can be a fun way for dogs to interact, tensions can sometimes rise, especially if one dog becomes possessive over the toy. Always keep an eye on them to ensure the game remains friendly and fun! This is also a great reason to teach “out” commands, allowing them to take structured breaks and reset the game as needed.
✔️Start and End on a Positive Note
Kick off the game by engaging your dog and getting them excited to play. It’s best if you start the game so they don’t start demanding playtime all the time. When it’s time to stop, make sure to end the game while they’re still interested. Finishing while they’re eager keeps the game fresh and fun, leaving them excited for the next round. Keeping the toy out of reach when not in use helps maintain their interest and control over the game.
✔️Cool Down with Quiet Time After the Game
After a tug session, it’s important to help your dog cool down. Just like any workout, tug can get them excited, so offering some quiet time afterward helps them relax and unwind. This ensures they’re not over-stimulated and can enjoy some calm moments after the fun. Some dogs will settle on their own, while others may need a little help. Quiet time can include resting on a place or in their crate. If they are panting heavily - make sure you let them cool down for a few minutes before giving them water.
Conclusion
Tug of war is more than just a fun game—it’s a fantastic way to meet your dog’s physical, mental, and emotional needs. Whether your pup is a tug champion or a toy destroyer, this game is an excellent way to burn energy, strengthen your bond, and keep them mentally engaged. Just remember to play safe, be mindful of your dog’s energy levels, and always supervise playtime to ensure a fun and safe experience for everyone.
So grab that toy, get ready for some fun, and make sure you end on a high note! After all, National Tug of War Day only comes once a year—let’s make it count!
