It is good to play tug of war with your dog, whether they are a puppy or an adult. Tug is a way for your dog to practice instinctual behavior — tugging at a toy mimics what a predator does when they finish the hunt, pulling apart the carcass or "dissecting" before eating.
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.
Once your pup gets a little older, you can use the rope for tug-of-war, but when they're teething, you should avoid playing the game. Otherwise, their teeth could grow in crooked! To soothe sore gums, soak the rope in some cold water and put it in the freezer so it melts when they chew it.
There is nothing wrong with cuddling and playing with your new puppy, but try to limit picking them up. Continually holding your dog can make them begin to feel as though they are human and can encourage behavior that causes dominance struggles within your home.
You, not your dog, should initiate the roughhousing, and your dog should stop when you indicate playtime is over. Teach your dog a command such as “game over” or “settle” so he learns to calm down after rough play. Make sure your dog knows that excessive mouthing or nipping is not acceptable.
While playing tug of war, your dog might get excited and begin growling. This is normal, as the game itself is predatory behavior. However, it is important to keep your dog from becoming overly excited or aggressive, and take breaks to keep the game from getting out of control.
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.
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 dogs get so involved in the game by growling and snarling so it naturally seems that playing the game is reinforcing aggressive behaviour. Dogs really love playing tug-of-war, it is a healthy display of their predatory nature and an excellent mental and physical workout.
Try frozen fruit, such as strawberries or bits of banana. The “cold pack” may help relieve oral discomfort and the fruit is edible, although it might get a little messy. Offer puppy-specific toys, such as a Chilly Bone or Kong. These can also be frozen.
Do Puppies Get Aggressive During Teething? Some people may confuse some growling, biting, or tugging as aggressive behavior in a puppy. The truth is that the puppy is probably showing excitement at playing or trying to relieve dental pain.
The Five Minute Rule
But that can't be right, with puppies varying so much in size, breed, and energy level – besides, who could resist playing with their puppy for much longer than that? It might make more sense to limit your puppy to five minutes of playtime per month per play session.
According to The People's Dispensary for Sick Animals, a good good starting point is to aim for 5 minutes of exercise, twice a day, for each month of age. For example, 3-month-old puppies should have 15 minutes of exercise twice a day, then 20 minutes twice a day at 4 months, etc).
Take your puppy outside frequently—at least every two hours—and immediately after they wake up, during and after playing, and after eating or drinking.
Roughhousing is just part of the fun and in most cases, it's completely healthy, safe and harmless. However, sometimes it can become dangerous if a pup takes it too far. It's totally normal for dogs to play-bite, bark, chase, swipe, and lunge, as long as it's in a gentle and friendly manner.
Tug of war played correctly will not encourage aggression in your dog or puppy. However, do not play tug of war with dogs that guard objects or display aggression as this may intensify aggressive tendencies the dog already has.
When you play with your dog, let him mouth on your hands. 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.
This calming sensation triggers a specific reaction in their brain that responds to hair follicle stimulation. Dogs, like humans, also release endorphins and oxytocin through methods of touch, so rubbing a dog's belly can help with bonding and affection. Ultimately, dogs like belly rubs because they feel good!
Dogs that lie on their backs while playing are being AGGRESSIVE, not submissive. You may think that a dog looks cute when it rolls onto its back while playing. But instead of being submissive, canines may be exhibiting signs of aggression, experts claim.
When done correctly, tug sessions should be “kept relatively short (10-15 seconds), have impulse control built-in (dog should have a trained “OUT” or “DROP” behavior), and be something the dog is invited to do with you,” she says.
Hitting or beating is thought to discourage bad behaviors when applied with the proper force, timing, and redirection. However, pain-based aversive techniques are risky. Studies show that they significantly increase stress, lower a dog's quality of life, and may even increase dog aggression.
It's a good idea to keep a puppy chew toy at hand at all times, so you can anticipate biting behavior and substitute the toy for your hand or furniture. Doing so will let pups know what is OK to bite or chew. If they start nibbling at your fingers or toes while you're playing, offer a toy instead.
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.