Oh Behave!

During a recent consultation, a client mentioned that though her 6 month-old shepherd mix loved to play tug, she’d decided the game was taboo. She’d heard that tug would make him “aggressive.” I’ve heard this concern from loads of dog owners. But fortunately, it ain’t so.

Aggressive behavior is usually caused by fear, stress or anxiety, not fun and games. In fact, many expert dog trainers (such as Jean Donaldson and Pat Miller) maintain that that tug, if played by a few simple rules (see below) is a fabulous game to play with your dog for lots of reasons.

Tug is a wonderful energy burner for dogs and something you can do inside to burn some of that doggy energy. Vinnie’s an especially high-energy dog; I suspect that on rainy days, if not for tug, we’d both go a little bonkers.

Tug is a great legal outlet for dogs’ natural predatory instincts. Instead of shutting natural dog behavior down, tug allows dogs to redirect their energies to the game.  

If played by the rules, tug teaches your dog to control his jaws even when he’s really revved up, and is fabulous impulse control training. Your dog practices calming himself down when he’s in a state of high arousal.

Tug offers lots of lovely little real-life training moments for real life rewards – another tug match! It provides an appropriate safe outlet for puppies’ and adolescents’ natural desire to mouth and play bite. Perhaps best of all, tug is FUN for you and your dog and deepens the bonds you share.

Follow these simple rules to ensure you and your dog are safe whenever you play tug:

• Only play with 1 or 2 designated tug toys. They should be long enough that your dog’s teeth area far from your hand. Braided rope or fleece toys are best because they’re strong and won’t hurt doggy teeth or gums.
• Play begins only when you initiate the game by offering the tug toy to your dog. Don’t allow your dog to lunge/jump/snatch the toy from you. If he does that, say, “Too bad,” or “Uh oh,” matter of factly and put the toy away for 20 seconds.
• Take frequent obedience breaks. Ask your dog to sit (or do another easy behavior) every time you offer him the tug toy. After he sits, reward him by offering him the tug toy to grab onto.
• Teach your dog to drop the tug toy on your cue. Ask him to do so randomly during tug matches.
• Teeth on skin means an automatic time out. If his teeth make any contact with your skin even by accident, immediately say “Uh Oh,” or “Too bad,” and put the toy away for 20 seconds. This will teach him to be extra careful with his mouth during tug games.
• Avoid doggy injuries. Keep the tug toy level with his shoulders and don’t jerk it around. Move the toy side-to-side instead of up and down. Keep the intensity of tug games appropriate for his age and overall physical condition.
• Safety first. Don’t allow frail people or kids under 13 to play tug with your dog. Make sure that anyone who plays tug with your dog knows the tug rules and always follows them consistently. An adult should always supervise tug games between dogs and kids.

Do you need an excuse to play? Many humans probably do. In this age of constantly-evolving technology we’re expected to do more and more in less and less time. Sometimes just scanning my Monday to-do list leaves me feeling somewhat overwhelmed.

Unlike many of us dogs need no excuses to play. Dogs love to play. They may not all enjoy playing the same games or with the same toys. But where there’s a dog, there’s very likely some kind of playing to be done and much fun to be had.

Scientists are still trying to figure out why animals play. Theories include practicing survival skills, and learning and maintaining important social skills. If you’ve watched dogs playing with other dogs or people, it may have occurred to you that perhaps one reason dogs play is to have fun. They certainly appear to be having plenty of fun when they’re at it.

If you have a dog you also have a perfect “excuse” to play. Playing with your dog yields wonderful benefits. It provides your dog with mental stimulation, an essential daily requirement for a healthy happy dog. Some games (like fetch and tug) afford your dog a chance to exercise, another daily necessity that too many dogs get too little of. Exercise keeps doggy bodies in good shape, avoids obesity and its attendant health risks, gives your dog an appropriate outlet for his energy and helps ward off behavioral issues. Depending on the game, dog play means you get some exercise too. My dog Vinnie adores playing one-on-one soccer with my husband; whenever they play they both get a great workout.

Playtime offers up lots of little training moments that help dogs practice impulse control. Play is an excellent stress reliever for humans and dogs. Play can be an especially effective way of building a shy, fearful or anxious dog’s confidence.

Doggy soccer anyone?

Perhaps best of all, playing with your dog regularly strengthens your relationship with him. Sharing enjoyable activities is one way in which people bond. Studies have shown that couples that play together enjoy longer happier relationships than those that don’t play together. As a therapist friend explained to me, doing fun things with a friend or significant other puts deposits into the emotional intimacy bank. You feel closer and happier when you’re doing having fun together.

Playing games with your best canine bud involves doing an activity together in which you communicate, work cooperatively and develop mutual understanding — all hallmarks of good social relationships. So is fun. Whether you’re playing tug, Frisbee, hide and seek, Freeze and Go Wild, or another game you or your dog has invented, hopefully you’re both having fun. (Part of the fun for me is seeing how much my dog’s enjoying himself when he’s playing!)

Life is tough. We could all use a healthy dose of frivolity and fun. So go ahead. You don’t need any excuses. Play with your dog! Play with him regularly, safely and have loads of fun. If anyone scoffs, remember that play’s underrated. You’re doing something fabulous for yourself and your dog, and deepening your relationship while you’re at it.

Do you have favorite games you play with your dog? We’d love to read about them in a comment.