Playing with dogs or does tug-of-war make a dog aggressive?

Today I wanted to explain something many people seem confused about. It's about playing with dogs. Playing is great to connect with your dog and have fun with her/him. It also can enforce the proper rules - if done right. I love to play with my dogs or motivate them through it. Often people say you can't play tug-of-war as your dog turns dominant...and they turn around to use their toy to motivate their dog and the dog dominates their owner!! The dog would jump all over them because s/he saw a ball or would go totally "nuts"...barking, biting, nipping, etc. Or the dog would bring a toy and bug the owner until they throw the ball. That's a kind of dominance you should be aware of. There are different energy dogs – one type that will always try to challenge you to be the leader and others who rather are followers and only be a (stressed out) leader if they absolutely feel they have to be because no one else does rule.

Pretty much every game can strengthen a dog’s dominance if you play on his/her terms! It's up to the breed what comes out of it! If the dog doesn't have very aggressive genes (or his/her needs are met) they will dominate you differently (like bugging you to play with them...even just starring) than a dog whose needs aren't met and is a strong breed (he/she might rather turn aggressive towards you or others and tries to dominate differently). What I am saying: No matter if you throw a ball or play tug-of-war it can turn bad. We should learn to read the signs how to play right and not to not do it at all.

That's why I put together a few guidelines when it comes to playing with dogs (and having fun) ;)..:

1. Always and only start when the dog is calm submissive!
2. You say when to start and to stop!
3. Make sure dog doesn't take the toy apart while playing (that is or can turn into killing mode).
4. Teach him obedience so you can give him commands to return toy, let go, etc. That way you can motivate her/him, too.
5. Toys are your property. Oh and shoes are, too ;)… (redirect if necessary).
6. Between throws make sure the dog calms down before you throw the ball again. Remember playing is a reward and intensifier that should be given at the right time (if you don't want to intensify the wrong behavior)!
7. No rough games when dog bites! As soon as teeth touch your skin too rough or at all stop the game.
8. Be consistent. What you allowed today will be ok for the dog tomorrow.
9. Only start tug-of-war if you can control your dog and can stop her/him immediately. Or don’t do it at all!
10. If you are gone rather leave him a chew toy than a "real" one. Toys are for connection with you not to chew on.

Problem solving:
- Dog brings toy and bugs you
Ignore dog or take toy away (should be stored away when not playing anyway) and wait until dog settles down and doesn’t pay attention to toy anymore. Remember: You start the game…and end it, too!

- Dog is jumping when seeing the ball
Be the pack leader. Change your energy. Wait until dog calms down and is calm submissive. Then throw. You can train some commands to help her/him calm down and mind you. Make sure you have enough space around you and the ball. Dog can’t touch the ball until you tell him. Limits are important for your dog.

- Dog starts barking when you don't throw the ball quickly enough
Again. Wait until the dog calms down. S/he will understand quickly you only throw if s/he is quiet and acts patiently. The automatic reward is the next throw.

A few words about tug-of-war.
I do have a dog that respects me and is the best well-trained dog ever (honestly…so great) and I can play it with him and he keeps going until I tell him to let go..and he will immediately. He never caused a problem. I know other dogs I wouldn't even think about doing it!
I do believe there is another problem to it. If people have a big dog and get to where they can't control him anymore (dog tugs too strong) then it can be dangerous as the dog learns how strong he really is – and connects it to you! That can easily turn into something bad. The dog learns her/his strength over you (how to win strength wise!) which is even worse! Usually, dogs don’t understand how strong they really are… That can change quickly if done wrong. So, if you are not sure leave it. BUT if a person understands dog language and acts accordingly (and doesn’t have a strong breed/energy that tries to dominate the person) I don't see a big problem. If the human is leader there usually is no problem. Well, unless you have a dog that tries to fight your position...then it wouldn't be a good idea again. Or it would give you a chance to show who's boss ;)...and embrace it! (but I don’t recommend it as it shows you are lacking in leadership ;)…)

One more tip for your dog’s safety. Don’t throw sticks for her/him. They not only can get splinters in their mouth but also pierce themselves with it (which happened to one of mine before).

Those are just a few hints. Feel free to ask or add some more (in the comments section). It is about having fun – while being respectful! You can also use it in between training sessions to bond even more and motivate the dog. S/he will love to do her/his job good to get a game as a reward.

Enjoy and have fun playing with your dog!