Although everyone knows how to
play Tug of War, no one is certain how the game
first came into being. It is thought that Tug of War was
practiced in Ancient Egypt and China, and that
ancient Korean villages used Tug of War to settle
disputes (the game is depicted on the commemorative
coins minted for the 1988 Seoul Olympics). The first
chronicled history comes from England in the
16th century. Today, the game has become
world renowned and there is even a Tug of War International
Federation that helps promote and regulate the
game.
While humans may have played Tug of War since
the Ancient Egyptians, it is my bet that dogs have
known about the game for even longer. So
many generations have engaged in the game that
it has become an instinctive part of canine play. Our
founder’s puppy Shana thinks Tug is the best
game ever invented - and will happily play it with
roots and plants if no person is readily at hand. My
neighbor’s lab will play tug by the hour
with a greatly varied assortment of stuffed animals. And
I have seen first hand pairs of dogs of all ages
grab a rope or stuffed toy and engage in tug of
war with each other. Despite the fact that
dogs obviously love this game, guardians have been
reluctant to play tug with their dogs, and the
game itself has earned the reputation of promoting
aggression in canines.
WHY PLAY TUG?
There are numerous reasons to play tug with your
dog. Tug is a natural outlet for energy
and a great source of exercise. It is also
a very versatile game and has the advantage of
being playable either inside or out, in a large
or small space, and with any size dog. Unlike
fetch, Tug of War is a great way to exercise
an active dog who is stuck indoors on a rainy
day. Playing Tug also helps teach
your dog some valuable training skills andreinforces
and enhances your high ranking position in the
social structure.
NOTE: Dogs love to growl during
games of tug. As long as all other behaviors
are appropriate, let him growl to his heart’s
content!
RULES TO PLAY BY
As with any game, Tug of War has rules that need
to be followed.
RULE 1: You start the game - You end the
game
Keep the tug toy stored away when you are not playing
with it. Only bring it out when you and/or
your dog is in the mood to play. End the
game with a cue like “give - all done” and
put the toy away. As the leader, you are
in control of the “good stuff.”
RULE 2: No grabbing
Hold up the toy - if the dog grabs for it or leaps
for it, say “oops!” and hide it behind
your back. Continue to offer it until your
dog is willing to wait for you start the game
(my friend’s lab for example is required
to sit calmly before she can have her tug toy). Offer
the dog’s end to him and say “tug” or “pull” and
away you go!
Along these same lines, Tug provides a perfect
opportunity to teach your dog where not to
put his teeth. Anytime y our dog’s
teeth stray into forbidden territory (such as your
clothing or hands), instantly say in a
cheerful tone a phrase like “too bad” and
call a short time-out. Resume the game after
a few minutes.
RULE 3: You win most of the time
“Winning” means you have the toy and the dog does not. Initially,
you may have to say a command like “give” and offer a tasty treat. The
dog will drop the toy to take the treat and you’ve won! After he
eats the treat, say the command “tug” or “pull” and
offer him his end of the toy again. This way, your dog actually gets two rewards
for letting go: a treat and the toy back! Practice the “give” command
several times during each tug session. Eventually, you will be able to
fade out the use of the treat.
RULE 5: Always supervise children
Young children should never play tug with dogs. Older
children can play only under supervision if they
can exactly follow the rules, and if your dog is
under reasonable self-control.
GUIDELINES FOR SELECTING A GOOD TOY
It is long enough that your dog’s teeth
are away from your hand.
The toy is made of a substance that invites
your dog to grab and hold, and will not easily
cause damage to teeth and gums.
It is sturdy enough to withstand significant
abuse.
The “human” end has either a
comfortable handle, or allows you to easily maintain
a solid grip.
