Tug-of-War: A Classic Game with a Purpose
- K9 Curator
- Aug 27
- 2 min read
Strengthen Your Bond While Building Your Dog’s Confidence
We've made it to part 4 of 5 in our Playtime Mini-Series! Let us know if you've been playing along with us and how you and your pup have been enjoying your playtime!
Few games are as universally loved by dogs as tug-of-war. It’s simple, fun, and interactive—but did you know it’s also a fantastic way to boost your dog’s confidence and strengthen your bond? With the right rules in place, tug-of-war becomes more than just play—it’s an opportunity to engage your pup’s natural instincts while reinforcing good behavior.
image source: https://unsplash.com/@darisja
Why Tug-of-War Is Great for Dogs
Mental Stimulation – Dogs love using their problem-solving skills during interactive games.
Physical Exercise – Tug-of-war provides a full-body workout that’s great for high-energy pups.
Confidence Building – Playing tug on their own terms helps shy or anxious dogs feel more secure.
Bond Strengthening – The back-and-forth interaction is one of the best ways to foster trust.
Rules for a Safe and Fun Game
Choose a Durable Toy – Use a rope or tug toy designed specifically for dogs.
Set Boundaries – Teach your dog a start command (“Take it”) and an end command (“Drop it” or “Leave it”).
Supervise Closely – Keep tug sessions controlled—if your dog gets too intense, pause the game.
Reward Good Behavior – Always praise or treat when your pup plays gently or follows a release command.
Know When to Stop – Keep sessions short (5–10 minutes) to avoid overstimulation.
Don't Push It - Always remember, if you or your pup don't feel safe or comfortable playing, don't. It's ok to take it slow or try something else that day!
Myths About Tug-of-War
🚫 “It makes dogs aggressive.” — Wrong! When played with structure, tug-of-war can actually reduce unwanted behaviors by teaching self-control. Don't mistake growling as aggression during play; some dogs growl when playing! Know how to spot the difference in body language between playing (tail up and wagging, front paws down while hind legs stay up- also known as a "play bow") vs. aggression (tail tucked down between legs, stiff body posture, snarling or baring teeth).
🚫 “You should never let your dog win.” — Not true! Letting your pup win sometimes builds confidence and keeps the game fun. Remember, you're not playing alone, your dog is the one with the most to gain by playing! Just like people, dogs get bored of playing a game if they never win; the goal is to keep them engaged and entertained.
Final Thoughts
Tug-of-war is more than just a tugging match—it’s an engaging way to bond, build trust, and give your pup a healthy outlet for their energy. With a few simple rules, this timeless game can become a safe, enriching part of your dog’s playtime routine.
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Don't forget to check back on Friday for our last post in our August Playtime Mini-Series! We hope you and your pups are having a blast enjoying these dog days of Summer!
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