Is playing tug-o-war with your dog bad?

Posted 2 months ago

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VermontGal

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker

I think it depends on your dog.

If the dog isn't vying to be the Alpha, and simply views it as a game he or she enjoys playing with you, it's just a game.

Posted 2 months ago

Other 13 Answers to Is playing tug-o-war with your dog bad?

ZombieKitty	Posted Sep 10th, 2009 at 1:35AM Not that I'm aware of. I always lose though and I think that is bad. LOL! Rated: +3Vote for this!
MystyMadness	Posted Sep 10th, 2009 at 1:36AM Yes very bad, dogs are pack animals and it allows the dog to challenge you as pack leader. If you let the dog win, he becomes pack leader and you are just one of the pack from then on. Rated: +3Vote for this!
amystarclear	Posted Sep 10th, 2009 at 1:36AM I'm not a dog person, but everyone I have met who plays tug-o-war with their dog has a VERY VERY badly behaved dog. Just an observation. Rated: +3Vote for this!
nuevo	Posted Sep 10th, 2009 at 1:36AM It is if you let them win. Rated: +3Vote for this!
SweetPegasus	Posted Sep 10th, 2009 at 1:36AM No. It won't make them aggressive or vicious. It's a game. That's like saying giving a child a toy gun will make him turn into a murderer. Rated: +3Vote for this!
SunshineEddy	Posted Sep 10th, 2009 at 1:36AM I'm pretty sure it strengthens their teeth... Rated: +2Vote for this!
SummerWind18	Posted Sep 10th, 2009 at 1:36AM I think so because those dogs whose owners do that tend to be more jumpy and aggressive Rated: +2Vote for this!
TrgdyAnn	Posted Sep 10th, 2009 at 1:36AM Hopefully they won't break....lol! Rated: +2Vote for this!
UnidentifiedHobo	Posted Sep 10th, 2009 at 1:37AM The biggest reason it is bad is because it loosens their teeth and can damage their neck muscles, tendons and the spine. It's a matter of opinion (one I agree with) that it is bad because your dog should release the object if you clearly want it and you are meant to be the pack leader. Rated: +2Vote for this!
maxxcrash	Posted Sep 10th, 2009 at 1:37AM Mysty has it partly correct but if you have a dog that has issues because of its position in a pack, i.e. ****** when someone comes over, it can be an effective way to build the dogs self esteem and pack issues and solve the problem. If the dog has no pack issues I would find a different game like hide and seek. Rated: +2Vote for this!
sh440	Posted Sep 10th, 2009 at 1:37AM Nope. Russian Roulette with your dog would be bad... I know cuz I tried, and I lost. :-/ Rated: +2Vote for this!
MrsIcb4rP	Posted Sep 10th, 2009 at 1:37AM mine don't play that. he don't fetch either. now that i think about it i think my dog doesn't think he's a dog. maybe that's the problem. LOL Rated: +2Vote for this!
gotal	Posted Sep 10th, 2009 at 7:14PM I think it is bad as it is a game of aggression. It is not good to encourage that in any animal; let alone a dog with behavioural issues. It is much better to encourage more gentle play like a game of fetch IMO. Rated: +2Vote for this!

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