WHAT IS IT?
When played with rules, the game of “Tug of War” helps burn energy through play, and helps build your dog's self-control. Tug with Rules is a wonderful relationship-building activity for you and your dog, because the rules of the game promote communication and trust. The game facilitates safe and healthy boundaries for play by teaching your dog to release objects from their mouth on cue and patiently wait to get what they want - which, in this case, is for the game to resume.
HOW TO TEACH IT
Find some appropriate toys to play with (see Rule #1 below)
Prepare tasty treats your dog loves. Then, cue or lure your dog to sit.
Say a verbal cue to start the game; for example: “take it", then present the toy to your dog. You may need to animate the toy to encourage your dog to play.
Engage in tugging on the toy with your dog. Play for 5 seconds.
Say a verbal cue to end the game; example: “drop it.” Present a treat to your dog, right in front of their nose so they can smell it. When they let go, praise them and release the treat.
Wait until your dog sits before offering the toy again, as in Step 2.
Continue playing the game using the above steps on a loop. Over time, your dog will let go of the toy sooner and offer a sit without prompting.
Appropriate tug toys should be used for Tug with Rules. Long toys, such as braided ropes, are a good option. Only use toys you don’t mind tearing or shredding.
The game ends if teeth come into contact with skin. If this happens, quit the game for 30 seconds before resuming. Do not punish your dog, simply end the game.
When tugging, only move the toy side to side. Never tug up and down, because that kind of motion can hurt your dog’s neck. Similarly, your dog’s head should be level with their spine as you play, and you should never lift your dog up with the tug toy.
Once learned, your dog must let go when you ask him to drop the toy. Ask one time and let the toy go lifeless (stop tugging back). If they refuse to let go, even for treats, end the game by walking away.
Let your dog win some rounds of tug. No game is fun if there’s no chance to win! Dogs prefer playing tug with those that let them win sometimes, so in place of the “drop it’ cue, sometimes just let your dog pull the toy out of your hands. Allow them to take a victory lap and chew on the toy a little, too!