Tug a war with puppy?

Miss Molly May · 02-25-2010, 11:19 AM

Hello

I keep getting mixed opinions about playing tug of war with my 14 week old pup. I ve been training here to leave it with while we play and it working great(with treats of course). What do you think is it ok or not. If not do you know a other way to train her to leave it.

Thank you for your input I been learning
so much from this site. I am very glad
this forum was created.
First time dog owner and loving it!
GSD FOR LIFE
Marc

**JKlatsky** · 02-25-2010, 11:39 AM

I play tug with all my dogs. They all always eventually win the tug and get to carry it around. If I want it back or need to put it away, I trade for it withtreats until they learn "out" throughout the game. And I have never had any unpleasant consequences regarding aggressive or dominant behavior with any of my dogs resulting from playing tug and allow them to win the game. That said, it's my toy, and we don't play with it until I bring it out, and if I don't want to play anymore I put it away.

VaBeachFamily · 02-25-2010, 11:40 AM

I have heard some sorts of Tug are great for a Schutzhund dog! But then again, I also heard that detering them from biting at things isn't good, and I will be damned if I am going to let him keep chewing me up! LOL...

Personally, I think if they learn only to play with the TOYS, and that you are the boss, it's a natural game to play.

StGeorgeK9 · 02-25-2010, 12:05 PM

I believe in a good game of tug. If they learn early on, to out the tug, you actually have a great lesson that will be a valuable asset as they grow, they will turn over shoes, socks, even a bone or really high value treat, if they are taught this early. Ava almost always wins these days, since I really want to keep my arms in their sockets. But if I ask her to out it, she gives it up immediately....bottom line, it's mine, she knows it, but the game is fun and as long as they dont develop an unhealthy attachment, then it is all good. But if the game is played right, they wont become possessive IMO.

Elaine · 02-25-2010, 12:08 PM

No problems with playing tuggy.

**Castlemaid** · 02-25-2010, 02:25 PM

Same as others

. Adult dogs will play tug with a puppy and let the puppy win!

When you are teaching the out, trade for something better, or as soon as they out, resume the game so pup will learn that "outing" is all part of the game. This can be a real life saver later on when they have stuff you don't want them to have and you want them to drop it.

If the game always ends with them giving up the tug, they will not want to give it up. But if giving up the tug only means that the game starts all over again, then they will happily comply.

Josiebear · 02-25-2010, 02:33 PM

I play tug with Josie. Sometimes i let her win but 90% of the time i win. In the beginning i did exchange her toy and now she gives it to me on her own when i tell her to.

BlackPuppy · 02-25-2010, 02:35 PM

All my dogs love tugging. It's part of our training routine.

**Castlemaid** · 02-25-2010, 02:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Josiebear

I play tug with Josie. Sometimes i let her win but 90% of the time i win. In the beginning i did exchange her toy and now she gives it to me on her own when i tell her to.

You can safely switch that around and let her win more. It builds confidence in a young dog, and keeps the game fresh and fun. There is no evidence that letting your dog win at tug causes dominance issues.

SamP · 02-25-2010, 03:42 PM

LOL my GSD is 2 day off 13 weeks, & loves to play tug!!! I was inclined to let him win as i was afraid of pulling his teeth out!!!!!! I have also learned its great training & i cant hurt him having my treat bag on while i play helps distract his attention when i want him to give it up! I am trying to move away from consant treats now but he certainy is learning the toys belong to mummy, when he wants to play he will stand by his toy box and nearly ask me!!!! Arent GSD's the best in the world, dont know how i managed before King came into my life!!!!!

02-25-2010, 11:19 AM	#1 (permalink)
Miss Molly May Elite Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Northern Ontario Posts: 1,846	Tug a war with puppy? Hello I keep getting mixed opinions about playing tug of war with my 14 week old pup. I ve been training here to leave it with while we play and it working great(with treats of course). What do you think is it ok or not. If not do you know a other way to train her to leave it. Thank you for your input I been learning so much from this site. I am very glad this forum was created. First time dog owner and loving it! GSD FOR LIFE Marc

02-25-2010, 11:39 AM	#2 (permalink)
JKlatsky Moderator Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Riverview, FL Posts: 2,988	I play tug with all my dogs. They all always eventually win the tug and get to carry it around. If I want it back or need to put it away, I trade for it withtreats until they learn "out" throughout the game. And I have never had any unpleasant consequences regarding aggressive or dominant behavior with any of my dogs resulting from playing tug and allow them to win the game. That said, it's my toy, and we don't play with it until I bring it out, and if I don't want to play anymore I put it away. __________________ Bianka vom Eisernen Loewen IPO3, CGC, TC 1-3-08 Cade vom Eisernen Loewen IPO1, CGC 3-25-09 D'Artagnan (Tag) vom Eisernen Loewen BH 2-2-10 G Aiko von Burkndeiros SchH 3, IPO3, FH, TC, KKL2 9-17-02 (Retired) Tampa Bay Working Dog Club

02-25-2010, 11:40 AM	#3 (permalink)
VaBeachFamily Elite Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 1,383	I have heard some sorts of Tug are great for a Schutzhund dog! But then again, I also heard that detering them from biting at things isn't good, and I will be damned if I am going to let him keep chewing me up! LOL... Personally, I think if they learn only to play with the TOYS, and that you are the boss, it's a natural game to play. __________________ ~Kristi in Virginia Beach Mommy to my 8 year old son... and ~ Cullen Vom Sandstranden, Purebred GSD, Black/Red Male : 12/16/09 ~ Panzer Vom Sandstranden, Purebred GSD, Sable Female : 11/29/10 ~ Gizmo , Amstaff, Brindle/White Female : 5/5/2000

02-25-2010, 12:05 PM	#4 (permalink)
StGeorgeK9 Elite Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Diamondhead, MS Posts: 1,858	I believe in a good game of tug. If they learn early on, to out the tug, you actually have a great lesson that will be a valuable asset as they grow, they will turn over shoes, socks, even a bone or really high value treat, if they are taught this early. Ava almost always wins these days, since I really want to keep my arms in their sockets. But if I ask her to out it, she gives it up immediately....bottom line, it's mine, she knows it, but the game is fun and as long as they dont develop an unhealthy attachment, then it is all good. But if the game is played right, they wont become possessive IMO. __________________ Betsy Ava GSD 3.5yrs Champ 1985, Heidi 2000

02-25-2010, 12:08 PM	#5 (permalink)
Elaine Crowned Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Minnesota Posts: 4,832	No problems with playing tuggy. __________________ Elaine and the herd

02-25-2010, 02:25 PM	#6 (permalink)
Castlemaid The Administrator from the Great White North, eh? Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Northern British Columbia Posts: 11,175	Same as others . Adult dogs will play tug with a puppy and let the puppy win! When you are teaching the out, trade for something better, or as soon as they out, resume the game so pup will learn that "outing" is all part of the game. This can be a real life saver later on when they have stuff you don't want them to have and you want them to drop it. If the game always ends with them giving up the tug, they will not want to give it up. But if giving up the tug only means that the game starts all over again, then they will happily comply. __________________ Lucia Keeta BH, OB1, TR1, AD Rottweiler/Hairy Dog mix?? Shelter rescue Gryffon Vom Wildhaus BH

02-25-2010, 02:33 PM	#7 (permalink)
Josiebear Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Posts: 458	I play tug with Josie. Sometimes i let her win but 90% of the time i win. In the beginning i did exchange her toy and now she gives it to me on her own when i tell her to.

02-25-2010, 02:35 PM	#8 (permalink)
BlackPuppy Crowned Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 4,426	All my dogs love tugging. It's part of our training routine.

02-25-2010, 03:42 PM	#10 (permalink)
SamP New Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Rep. of Ireland Posts: 23	LOL my GSD is 2 day off 13 weeks, & loves to play tug!!! I was inclined to let him win as i was afraid of pulling his teeth out!!!!!! I have also learned its great training & i cant hurt him having my treat bag on while i play helps distract his attention when i want him to give it up! I am trying to move away from consant treats now but he certainy is learning the toys belong to mummy, when he wants to play he will stand by his toy box and nearly ask me!!!! Arent GSD's the best in the world, dont know how i managed before King came into my life!!!!!

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