YNP #101: Can I Play Tug of War With My Dog?

YNP #101: Can I Play Tug of War With My Dog?

November 22, 2024 · 10 min · Episode 101

About this episode

In this episode, Debbie Cilento discusses the benefits and misconceptions of playing tug of war with dogs, providing tips on how to do it safely and effectively.

Tug of war is a game that dogs LOVE to play.  Yet I always get asked the question “Can I play tug of war with my dog?” The short answer is YES!  Tug of war is great game for you and your pup.  It’s easy to play, they love it, it burns lots of energy and tires out those heavy chewing jaws and nipping puppy teeth.  So why is this a question?  Well, there’s some misconceptions about tug of war that have been going around for a while.  In this episode, I debunk the common myths about tug of war, like the idea that it’s a dominance game or that you can’t let your dog win. The vast majority of dogs can play tug of war with no problem.   There are some pups that need some rules to reduce any over stimulation or excitement (because tug of war is just so fun!).  No worries, I walk you through what to watch for—like vocal escalation or raised hackles. Plus, I’ve got a special video for you that shows how to use tug of war to teach your dog important skills like drop it and impulse control. So, grab your dog’s favorite toy and tune in to find out how you can safely enjoy this fun game with your pup! How to Use Tug of War…

People in this episode

Host: Debbie Cilento

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