Need a training game that your dog will both love and learn from? What about an activity that will tire them out physically and mentally? If so, the great game of tug is perfect for your dog! It may seem like playing tug is simply just for fun, but this game can help train your pup in a variety of ways. From learning to let go, to regulating play intensity, and even building confidence, tug can do it all!
How to Play
Before starting a game of tug, your dog should know the helpful cues ‘trade,’ ‘take it,‘ and ‘sit.’ These will better establish the ‘rules’ of the game and help your dog to regulate their play. Your dog should also want to willingly interact with you when it’s time to train. If that’s not possible, you may have to build up to playing tug. As with all training games or exercises, it should not be forced on an unwilling dog.
Step 1:
Grab a sturdy tug toy for your dog that you know they can’t easily rip or break. We recommend a large braided fleece or a strong nylon toy. Also have a handful of tasty treats in your pocket that you can grab when necessary.
Step 2:
Ask your dog to ‘sit’, and then present the tugger and say ‘take it.’ At this point, the game is on! Asking your dog to sit and wait before you say ‘take it’ helps teach them impulse control and prevents them from jumping up to grab the toy. It’s safer and easier this way! As you engage in play, make sure to only tug equal to your dog’s strength or activity level.
Step 3:
When you are ready for a break, simply let go of the toy and stop. Don’t worry about letting your dog ‘win’ at tug; it does not make them more dominant or aggressive. At this point, ask your dog to sit and wait again. This will help to regulate their play intensity and give them a moment to mentally relax.
Note: While waiting to play again, some dogs will simply drop the toy while others may not. For those who don’t, you may need to ‘trade’ the tug toy for a treat or another toy. This is simply so you can be the first to re-engage your dog with tug.
Step 4:
When you’re ready to play again, offer the tug toy once more and say ‘take it’. Just with the first round, make sure your dog is sitting before you engage. It’s always helpful to practice good manners!
Step 5
Repeat steps 3 and 4 until you or your dog are ready to be done playing. When the final tug is made, allow your dog to have the toy and toss a handful of treats to the ground. This will reward them for their effort and mark the game as over. We also suggest giving your dog something to settle down with afterwards, like a stuffed kong or chew stick. This will help to calm them down and reinforce that it’s time to rest.
Troubleshooting
With the great game of tug also comes some troubleshooting, as every dog is unique and may behave differently. If, for example, your dog gets overstimulated quickly, go slowly and gently when playing tug. Make sure each round of the game only lasts a couple of seconds before you ask your dog to sit or trade. This teaches your over-excited pup impulse control and self regulation. You absolutely can play a vigorous game of tug with them, but it’s best to build up to that point!
If you’re having problems with a dog who doesn’t want to return the tug toy or plays keep-away with it, simply walk away. Your dog will eventually become bored with your lack of engagement and drop the toy. At this point, pick it up and either try playing again, or put the toy away. Eventually your pup will learn that they don’t get what they want by keeping the toy from you.
Ready to Play?
Tug is both a physically and mentally exhausting game for your dog, and it also happens to teach them manners and build confidence. If you have a dog that plays too rough, gets over stimulated easily, can’t self-regulate, or even lacks confidence, tug can help with all! Simply engaging in tug once or twice a day with your dog can really solidify your bond as well as teach them something new. If you haven’t been playing tug, now’s the time to start!
