Does Playing Tug Make a Dog Aggressive? Tug of war played the right way and under the right circumstances, will not encourage aggression in your dog. Instead, it will actually give you a tool to establish a healthy relationship with your dog. There's even some science behind it.
No, playing tug is not bad for dogs. It's a common misconception that tug of war promotes aggressive behavior or dominant behavior. In fact, there are dog trainers and scientific studies that refute this.
When puppies play with each other, they use their mouths. Therefore, puppies usually want to bite or “mouth” hands during play or when being petted. With puppies, this is rarely aggressive behavior in which the intent is to do harm.
If the dog makes a mistake and bites you, screech “OUCH!” and take the toy away for 3-5 seconds. Act hurt and disgusted. Then re-present the toy and give your Tug cue. Your dog should play with more caution.
Puppy teeth can easily be damaged or even pulled out, so it is important to play at an appropriate level. You should never pull harder than the puppy does and you should never pull the toy away from them.
It's an activity that taps into natural drives, making it a motivational, reinforcing, and high-value training tool. It is also a great way to burn off excess energy and keep your dog physically and mentally stimulated. By letting your dog “win” during a game of tug, you aren't letting them dominate you.
"Loops, knots and other types of 'holdings' -- used to wrap the rope around hands or any part of the body is extremely dangerous -- and can place individuals at risk for finger and hand injuries, including traumatic amputations and joint dislocations," Dr.
They mouth or nip during play, or out of excitement or impatience: Some dogs may mouth your hand or nip at your heels while playing with you, especially when they're excited or being chased. Herding breeds and those with a higher prey drive may also nip or bite as a natural instinct.
Adolescent and adult dogs who exhibit mouthy behavior tend to also be social, energetic, playful, and outgoing. These dogs typically jump up and grab people's clothing or limbs with their mouths when they are feeling frustrated, excited, or seeking attention.
Playing tug brings out your dog's predatory instincts. They may growl, grunt, and shake their head as though they're killing a prey animal. These behaviours are all normal and not indicative of aggression.
Some people feel the game causes aggression or dominant behavior, warning never to play tug-of-war games with their dogs. The truth is actually just the opposite. Some dogs get so involved in the game by growling and snarling so it naturally seems that playing the game is reinforcing aggressive behaviour.
First, only pet your puppy when they are already calm and relaxed (remember reason #2 – overexcited puppies are more likely to be bitey). Pet your puppy for just 3-5 seconds at a time, then pause and take your hands away. If your pup nuzzles or moves toward your hand, pet them again.
Always use toys when playing with puppies, never your bare hands. This way you will have something big enough to guide into the puppy's mouth when he wants to bite and tug. Be careful when playing with young pups; don't tug hard enough to hurt them. They may be pretending to be fierce, but they are still babies.
Tug time: You should let your dog pull on the tug for between 10 to 20 seconds for each session. Safe environment: Be aware of your surroundings before you start playing. Make sure there is plenty of space so you or your dog can't bump into anything.
Never play with your puppy using your hands or body – including wrestling, roughhousing, or hand-chasing games. Doing so will teach them that it's okay to use your body as a chew toy. Instead, if your puppy gets nippy during play, redirect your puppy onto a more appropriate chew toy.
Once your dog is older than 15 weeks, all forms of biting should be completely discouraged. Always stop play if you experience puppy teeth on your skin. When your puppy is teething and tries to use your fingers as a chew toy, it's one thing.
A Matter of Play
This is just your puppy playing, and it is normal behavior. Behavioral professionals advise that what might look like aggressive biting puppy behavior is just normal nipping that has exceeded a little.
Some puppies (and breeds) are naturally mouthier than others, but all puppies should be taught not to bite or mouth people, and in general to be gentle with their mouth, also known as bite inhibition.
Continue play until he bites especially hard. When he does, immediately give a high-pitched yelp, as if you're hurt, and let your hand go limp. This should startle your dog and cause him to stop mouthing you, at least momentarily.
An aggressive growl will be accompanied by snarling and snapping, while a playful growl is just a sound, accompanied by relaxed body movements (no tension).
Exactly how your puppy plays rough will depend on the dog, but there are some common behaviors that you can look out for: Biting or nipping at your hand/extremities. Growling when you try to play with them or when you attempt to take their toy away. Having a stiff posture.
Growling while playing tug of war is however NORMAL! It is part of the fun. Dogs who growl while playing tug are usually just vocalizing what feels like victory – much like how humans yell “Grrreat!” after winning something! Some breeds of dog are more prone to growling and snapping while playing tug.
Remember to keep your feet forward of your knees at an angle. Move as one – The key to success is teamwork. Pull as one, don't waste energy on short tugs, let your thighs take the strain, work together making effective use of your pulling power and with a concerted effort you should tug the other team into submission.
In this activity, the rope is the means to transfer forces. The first team to tug is the action force, causing the pull on the rope, as the reaction force , the other teams rope end "feels" the pull.