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I know this question has probably been asked before, but I have heard so many opinions both ways on this subject, I wanted to ask on this board.
Is playing tug w/a dog who is a pet, not a working dog, ok, or does it set you up for problems? I have an almost 9 month old male GSD pup, who I've had since he was 7 wks old. I use the NILIF philosophy with him. He knows who is boss - he must earn his treats, meals, etc. Occassionally he tries to test me, but I think that's normal 9 month old pup behavior, nothing to worry about, as far as I'm concernd. Is playing tug ok? I bought a tug toy for him months ago, and have not even opened the package. I was just playing with him with one of his toys, and realized I was basically playing tug (which a Holee Roller toy)
. So I figured, if I always win, and dictate when we play, and when we stop, we probably wouldn't have any problems.
What do you think? Tug or not?
P.S. I forgot to mention I have 3 kids - 2, 4 and 6 yrs old, and they are not, and will not, be allowed to play tug with him for obvious reasons....and they know this. Plus, they are always supervised w/Kodee. If I can't supervise them, he's crated, or in a room w/me with the baby gate up. Just FYI.
Is playing tug w/a dog who is a pet, not a working dog, ok, or does it set you up for problems? I have an almost 9 month old male GSD pup, who I've had since he was 7 wks old. I use the NILIF philosophy with him. He knows who is boss - he must earn his treats, meals, etc. Occassionally he tries to test me, but I think that's normal 9 month old pup behavior, nothing to worry about, as far as I'm concernd. Is playing tug ok? I bought a tug toy for him months ago, and have not even opened the package. I was just playing with him with one of his toys, and realized I was basically playing tug (which a Holee Roller toy)

What do you think? Tug or not?
P.S. I forgot to mention I have 3 kids - 2, 4 and 6 yrs old, and they are not, and will not, be allowed to play tug with him for obvious reasons....and they know this. Plus, they are always supervised w/Kodee. If I can't supervise them, he's crated, or in a room w/me with the baby gate up. Just FYI.