no playing tug ???

[kendal]

i was talking to one of my friends who has a 5 year old Rottweiler.
she said that when she was a pup she had her at puppy class was told never to play tug with her, is that true i thought you could play tug with any dog as long as you teach them that you always win.
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[marcella]

It's alright if you are in control and always win. And that the game is over when YOU decide.
Thats the general consensus as far as I am aware.

[John Thomson]

This is a subject that in particular relates to dogs who have dominant tendencies.........if they win at tug (which is a test of strength) then they will see that they have beaten you and their place in the pack starts to supersede you in the dogs eyes.

Many dogs will never have any issues with tug. If I had a rottie I would never want to lose! They are naturally dominant dogs.
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John Thomson
www.cumbernaulddogtraining.co.uk

[kendal]

i have no idea if she took the advice or not and i have only met her dog once but she is lovely.
it just confused me when she said that.
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[John Thomson]

Kendal,

when two dogs play tug......puppies or adults.the stronger more dominant dog wins........this is how pack leaders are determined...........
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John Thomson
www.cumbernaulddogtraining.co.uk

[kendal]

then shouldn't that be considered a vital part in training your dog as it is fun and practical in asserting dominance over your dog.
i just don't see why she was told never to do it, i could under stand them saying never let her win but not don't play tug.
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[John Thomson]

I have read that playing tug gives a dog the opportunity to challenge you?
Perhaps this is why?
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John Thomson
www.cumbernaulddogtraining.co.uk

[kendal]

OK that would make seance along with what you said about rotties being naturally dominant.thanks for helping me work that out, it was just that there is this lovely rottie at the kennels who i have played tug with and told him to leave it and he just droped the toy(but i have been told he is just a big softy) and he is.
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[kirsty]

Kendal

I never play tug with my two. I am not sure I would win and If I loose that asserts their position that they are stronger than me. I try never to put myself in a position that I have to back down or never put myself in the position that I have to 'force' either of them to do something. Cause if I can't force them by brute strength or will to do what I want it again reinforces in their mind that they can actually control me instead of me controlling them.

If I had smaller dogs, I would love to play with them in this way

[John Thomson]

Nicely put Kirsty,

you are far more eloquent than me!
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John Thomson
www.cumbernaulddogtraining.co.uk

[Suzanne H]

I guess it depends on the type of dog - one that could challenge you physically needs to know you are stronger than it.

I actually cannot sit on the floor any more as Otto will jump all over me - and he is clearly challenging me as it's the one time he has the upper hand.

As for tug - he loves it but we don't play it with him, partially because his teeth are coming in and also because he's now too strong. Well for me anyway, he's got some way to go before he could beat Ian.

[Janice]

I was confused about this too. I didn't play tug with Dale at first because there was no way he'd let go and I ended up getting hurt and I knew I couldn't let him win. Also some books say you should never play tug.

But years ago when I went to the club in Dundee that was one of the things we had to do for homework. Get the dog really excited and and then get them to leave on command. There was a Rottie there and quite a few rescue dogs but they did learn.

By now that's something Dale does really well. you just have to make sure the game ends if he doesn't let go instantly.
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Janice and Dale