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July 22, 2011

My daughter just adopted a rottie & the rescue told her, that with 'tug'... you should never go side to side... this simulates 'kill' and can increase aggression. Always use a circular movement! What are your thoughts?

Full Question:

We've had rotties for 24 years. Our dogs are gentle family dogs, with impeccable manners & behavior. We have always played tug with "the tug is mine" rules. Example: When we play tug, if it comes out of their mouth, they sit & wait till we say "OK" before they can gently take it, then the tugging game begins again with gusto. When we say "give" they release. They approach you with a tug in their mouth, ears squiggled backwards, their body's wiggling back & forth as they slowly shake the tug back & forth, asking to play.

Our games of tug have always begun & ended with self control, gentleness & silly, loving affection. In between... there's growling, yanking & pulling with much energy.

My question: My daughter just adopted a rottie & the rescue told her, "that with 'tug'... you should never go side to side... this simulates 'kill' and can increase aggression. Always use a circular movement!"

I've NEVER seen this in my dogs. What are your thoughts?

Cindy's Answer:

I will say that if you have dominance issues with your dog, playing tug without rules is not a good idea but the whole circular vs. side to side argument makes NO sense whatsoever.

I would be suspect of a rescue that gives out such advice, they obviously have a lot to learn. Maybe they would like to watch The Power of Playing Tug with your Dog. It shows proper technique for tugging (which by the way, is side to side). :)

Thanks for writing!

Cindy Rhodes

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