How to play tie with your dog: 7 rules

Once your dog has learned the “Give” and “Take” commands, you can start playing tugs. But it’s important to do it right. How to play tug with a dog?

Most dogs love this game, and if you take part in the fun, you can strengthen and improve your relationship with your pet. However, the game must be played according to the rules and be safe for both you and your four-legged friend.

7 rules for playing dog tug

1. Monitor your dog’s condition. Many owners (and even specialists) refuse such play, believing that it makes the dog more aggressive. This is not true. Stretching is a great game. It is only important that the dog is not overexcited. Stop the game before the excitement level goes off scale.
2. At the same time, stop the game before the dog gets bored. Let her look forward to the new game.
3. Stop the dog by giving the command “give”. If the pet completed the command, reward him – continue the game!
4. If the dog refuses to let go of the toy on command, do not pull or tug on it. Make the toy still, if necessary, release it, but at the same time hold the dog by the collar or harness. Let it be known that the game is over. The pet will get bored of holding the toy in its mouth and will spit it out. After that, you can reward the dog by starting a new round of the game. So your four-legged friend will understand the principle: to continue the fun, release the toy on command.
5. In no case do not pull the toy up and down – this can damage the dog’s neck. Pull from side to side. But even in this case, be careful, especially with a young dog.
6. Praise the dog for active participation in the game, turn on your emotions. If you simply absent-mindedly move your arms from side to side, the dog will quickly become bored. You are part of the game, so become a worthy part!
7. The game starts and ends at your signal.

You can learn more about how to play with dogs, as well as educate and train them in a humane way, using our video courses.