Somewhere, 30 years ago, someone got the idea that tug-of-war games created aggressive behaviors in dogs. Perhaps it was because some dogs growl when playing tug and since aggression in dogs wasn't very well understood back then, it was believed all growling was aggressive behavior. Since then, we have learned that dogs growl for different reasons, not just out of aggression.

In 2002, a study was done to determine whether or not playing tug increased the incidence of aggressive or "dominant" behaviors. The researchers concluded that tug games had no negative effects on the relationship between the dog and human.

As a matter of fact, tug of war is not only an excellent reward in dog training, but it is a valuable exercise in teaching dogs self-control. Tug games are used to reward canine competitors of many sports including agility, flyball and protection sports.

That said, a game of tug should have clear rules set for the dog or the lesson in self-control will be lost.

• The dog should only take the toy on cue, or the game does not begin.
• The dog must learn a drop command and must comply on the first command, or the game ends.
• The dog's teeth may not touch the human's skin while playing, even by accident, or the game ends.

If the dog violates any of these rules, the game ends. No negotiations - the game is over. If the toy is in the human's possession at the time of the violation, the toy goes up and away. If the toy is in possession of the dog, the owner drops the toy, turns their back on the dog and walks away.

Now you're probably saying, "WAIT!" If you drop the toy and walk away, the dog WINS!" But, what does the dog win? By dropping the toy and walking away, you are depriving the dog of both your attention and the continued game of tug, which is much more fun than a limp toy that no one wants anymore. Most of the time, the dog will either follow you, presenting the toy for further play, or will quickly lose interest in the toy, at which point the human can resume the game, if desired.

Without your cooperation, the dog cannot tug alone.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Lowering Arousal: Teaching Impulse Control

Diamonds in the Ruff Guide to Tug of War

Tug of War Rules