Words by Nicole Wilde, CPDT-KA
🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾CAMP PRO DIFFICULTY
Words by Nicole Wilde, CPDT-KA
So, is tug-of-war a no-no for dogs? Absolutely not鈥攆or the average healthy pup, a rousing round of tug is a blast that builds self-assurance, deepens your connection, and delivers a serious workout for both body and brain. The secret lies in playing it the right way. Below, seasoned trainers break down the perks, bust the old wives’ tales, and share easy rules for keeping tug nothing but fun.
For years, plenty of us grew up hearing that a game of tug with your dog was simply asking for trouble:
“It’ll convince them they’re the boss of you.”
“They’ll figure they can just snatch stuff away from you.”
“Tug play is what makes a dog turn mean.”
Speaking as a working trainer, I can promise you none of those warnings hold up. Truth is, a proper game of tug brings your dog a whole bunch of wins.
A solid tug session checks the boxes for exercise, brain engagement, and bringing you two closer.
Tug can even slot into a behaviour-change plan, helping a nervous dog relax in a scary spot or near a feared object (your car, say), because happiness and fear simply can’t coexist.
Pick a tug toy crafted from soft, gentle material so those teeth and gums stay safe. (Skip the game entirely if your dog has neck, back, or other health troubles.) Knotted ropes on each end are a crowd favourite, though you may need to test a few styles to learn what truly grabs your dog’s attention. Set up on a surface with grip—think rug or lawn—with room to spare so paws can plant firmly and no one gets hurt. Tuck the toy in a drawer or high shelf until playtime rolls around.
Whatever you do, don’t yank upward—that’s a fast track to a sore neck or spine.
If your dog needs a little coaxing, here’s a move I’ve used with clients’ pups: trail the toy across the floor, away from your dog, weaving it side to side to spark that chase instinct. It works wonders on dogs wired with a strong prey drive.
After your dog locks on, let them do the heavy lifting of tugging. That matters most for seniors and puppies. Glide the toy gently side to side—the way dogs naturally play. Never snap it upward, or you risk neck and spinal strain.
Visual by Dora Zett / Stock photo
Dogs getting fired up mid-game is totally normal—and that’s the goal! We want them loving it. But the moment a tooth grazes your skin, the game stops cold. Call out “Too bad!” and stash the toy right away. Lots of folks assume over-excited dogs can’t control their jaws, yet I’m here to say they absolutely can—and they will, once they learn there are real consequences.
If you were raised on the idea that tug makes dogs dominant, this next tip may surprise you: let your dog win now and then! Who enjoys a game they always lose? It’s also a confidence boost and teaches sharing. Once you let go, your dog might dash off swinging the prize happily. Don’t chase—they’ll likely bring it back since you’re the fun source. If not, try sprinting the other way to lure them after you. Should they wander off to chew it solo despite your best moves, go fetch it back. Rope toys especially spell trouble if strands get swallowed, another reason to drawer them until needed.
Finally, tug doubles as a reward and a distraction. Say you’re teaching calm walking past other dogs. Keep the toy within reach. The instant your dog ignores a passing pup (start at a comfy distance so they win), hand over the toy, enjoy a quick 10-second tug, then wrap up and walk on. As you can see, tug pays off in spades—done right, there’s no real downside. Frankly, I’d rename it “tug-of-fun!”
Tug isn’t the right fit for every dog. Give it a pass if yours lands in any of these groups:
Originally featured in the award-winning Modern Dog magazine. Subscribe today!
Add one small distraction at a time, and reward the brave choices.
Keep sessions short and always end on a success your dog is proud of.
Hold one treat at your dog's nose level and let the smell do the talking.
Say the cue once, clearly, in a happy voice - then wait.
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