Why Do Dogs Like Tug of War? Vet-Approved Benefits, Tips & Considerations

Every dog is different. Some like to charge from room to room; others like to chase a tennis ball. If you’re lucky, they will return the ball to you. Some dogs also enjoy playing tug of war.

Playing tug of war safely is an excellent way for your dog to burn off energy, and it appeals to their predatory nature. It can be used as a reward during training and to help teach self control, all while building the bond between the two of you.

However, while it is generally a healthy game for dogs to play, there are some factors to consider while playing tug of war with your pup.

Why Do Dogs Like Tug of War?

Tug of war is a game that seemingly comes naturally to most dogs because it plays into their instincts.

• Collaborative Play – Dogs know they are playing when they play tug of war. They are using the game to build a strong bond between themselves and you. And it usually works well until they accidentally grab your finger instead of the toy.
• Prey Drive – Dogs are natural predators. Even though dogs have long been domesticated, tug of war games appeal to this instinct letting them practice capturing their prey and keeping it away from other animals. This makes tug of war an engaging and motivational game for your pup.
• They Enjoy Chewing – Dogs have sharp teeth and strong jaws and enjoy exercising them. As an extension of their prey instinct, they also instinctively want to grasp and pull things apart.

The 4 Benefits of Playing Tug of War With Your Pup

Although there are some precautions you should take when playing tug-of-war, it is generally a safe game to encourage. It offers the following benefits to your dog.

1. It Builds Bonds

Playing with your dog is a great way to build a bond. You both have fun while playing with the other, so tug-of-war could bring you closer together. It is also a great way to get to know a new dog and to ensure that you retain a bond with an existing dog.

2. It Can Build Trust

As part of this bond-building, your dog will learn to trust you more. As such, it can be a very useful tool if you have adopted a dog or if you have a new dog and you want them to learn to trust you. Your dog understands that tug of war is a game, and they are effectively collaborating with you in the playing of the game.

3. It’s Good Exercise

It might not look like much exercise, but once you’ve played for a few minutes, you’ll realize it uses quite a lot of muscles. And, if it’s making your arm muscles burn, imagine the effect it is having on your dog’s jaw, neck, shoulders, legs, and back.

In most of these games, it is the human that will give up first, but it still provides a lot of exercise for your dog. It is also one game that can be played indoors as well as outdoors, and it doesn’t require too much space, so it is a convenient way to burn off some excess energy.

4. It Can Prevent Unwanted Behaviors

Burning off excess energy not only helps ensure your dog gets a healthy amount of exercise, but it can also tire them out and exercise their brain. Physical and mental exercise keep your dog stimulated, and this reduces the likelihood of them developing bad habits and unwanted behaviors.

If you find your dog chewing items around the house, or even the carpets and furniture, some good tug-of-war play time could help curb these activities. It can be used to redirect unwanted behaviors like puppy mouthing.

Is It Safe?

Tug of war is generally safe, but you need to take some precautions for both of your sakes. Ensure the toy is strong enough and doesn’t have sharp edges that might cut your dog’s mouth or paws. It should also be robust enough that it won’t just shred and potentially cause a choking hazard for your dog.

When you are playing, make sure you both have a good hold of the toy before starting the game. Play on a surface that your dog can grip onto like carpet or grass, avoid tiled and laminate slippery floors. Keep the tug toy low to the ground, your dog should have their feet on the floor when tugging and their spine straight. Use side-to-side movements which is naturally how a dog plays and let the dog do most of the work. Avoid up-and-down actions as they can cause injury to the neck and spine. Dogs with back or neck issues generally shouldn’t play tug.

How Long Should I Play Tug of War With My Dog?

There is no set time for how long you play tug of war with your dog. You will need to look for signs they have had enough. Some signs are obvious. If your dog walks away, don’t try pushing it. If their breathing becomes too heavy and they are panting excessively, make sure they get a drink of water and take a break for a while.

Playing too long could cause some discomfort, and your dog may get over aroused. It could also lead to your dog getting bored of a game you both previously enjoyed. Generally, 5 to 10 minutes total play is plenty, alternate short tugging sessions with impulse control training. Playing short games of tug can be good as a reward during general training sessions.

Is It Good to Let Them Win?

Letting the dog win some games of tug of war is good for their confidence. It also ensures that they don’t lose interest. If they get beaten every time they play, there isn’t an incentive to play again the next time you pick up the rope.

It's a good idea to make sure your pup knows a “drop” cue so you can build in impulse control to your tug play sessions. Knowing how to drop an item is essential if they pick up something dangerous or become over excited from tugging.

Is It Bad for Their Teeth?

If you’re too aggressive when playing tug of war, your dog’s teeth can be injured, which can lead to dental problems. This is especially true in young puppies and senior dogs with existing dental complaints. As mentioned above, keep the toy low to the ground and let your dog do most of the work. Moderate how hard you pull on the tug toy depending on the dog you are playing with.

Does Tug of War Tire Out Your Dog?

Although it might not seem that tiring because your dog doesn’t move far from a single spot, tug of war uses a lot of muscles and takes a lot of effort. It can be a very tiring form of play. It can also be played indoors, which makes it a great exercise option on rainy days. While it shouldn’t replace walks or other forms of regular exercise, it is a good addition to a daily exercise schedule.

Conclusion

Tug of war is a favorite game with many dogs and their humans. It is an easy game to play, doesn’t require anything more than a good rope toy, and can build a bond while helping keep your dog in good physical shape. You need to take care not to overdo it and it won’t be a suitable game for all dogs. However, for most canines tug of war is a wholesome game that can really benefit your relationship.

• See also: Do Dogs Like Kisses? Communication, Signs & Alternatives

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