Is it possible to play with a puppy in the tie?

Grab something with your teeth and pull – can there be something more reckless for a puppy and an adult dog?

Draw games appeal to natural instincts. This is the spirit of the hunt: to catch up, to catch, to grab with your teeth, to pull out! Add to this the competitive effect and just the pleasure of contact with the owner – and you will stop wondering why your puppy is happy to pull anything: from a special cord to your robe belt.

But there is an opinion that you can play constriction only with adult dogs. That puppies through such games can deform the bite. Is it true?

Imagine the situation: you have acquired a puppy from a breeder who is not entirely “transparent” and soon discover that he has a malocclusion. You try to discuss the problem with the breeder, and he tells you: “It’s your own fault! Played with a puppy in the constriction? So they ruined his bite! It’s not my fault!”.

Problems with teeth and bite are often blamed on games of constriction. But the true reason may be in incorrect breeding, i.e. factors beyond the control of the owner.

There are many scary stories around the games of dragging. But in reality, in order for the bite to deform, it would be necessary to pull the rope for 5 or more hours a day. If you and your puppy are not Terminators, this is not your story!

With puppies under 6 months old (on average), it is really not recommended to play games that affect the jaw often and for a long time. They still have a change of teeth, and the jaw apparatus continues to strengthen. But if the pet really likes to pull, you should not deprive him of the pleasure.

From time to time you can play constriction with a special toy, and it will not do any harm. The main thing is to play softly, to succumb to the puppy, i.e. not have a strong impact on his jaw.

While the puppy’s chewing apparatus is not formed (on average, this is up to 6 months old), you can only play constrictions gently and accurately. Give in to the puppy and do not try to snatch the toy from him.

The key to healthy, strong jaws (besides genetics) is a balanced diet and the right games with the right toys. But if everything is clear with nutrition, then what games and toys are considered correct?

Play should be appropriate to the puppy’s abilities, and toys should fit the puppy in size and shape and be made from safe materials. For example. You don’t have to force your French Bulldog puppy to run after a ball the size of his head. Like a St. Bernard puppy, it is better not to let him play a ball with a diameter of 2 cm: he will simply swallow it!

In order for the jaw to develop correctly, choose toys that fit the puppy in size and shape. The material must be of high quality and safe. Pay attention to toys made of plastic, flexible material that will be pleasant to the teeth and gums and will not injure them. So, some puppy toys are made from the same material as baby teethers. Perfect option!

As for the specific constrictions, they should also fit the puppy in size and match the strength of his jaws. It should be comfortable for him to grab and pull the toy. It should not be too large and should not be too small: it will simply be uncomfortable for the puppy to hold it. 

Constrictions can be played with tripods, ropes, dumbbells and other flexible rubberized or textile toys. Many of them are also suitable for fetching.

Before buying, consult with a consultant in a pet store: he will recommend the best toys specifically for your breed.

Children’s toys and items not intended for puppies are not suitable for play. They can be dangerous for your pet.

We hope this article helped you to remove unreasonable fears and your leisure time with a puppy will become even more positive!