I've played tug with every dog I've ever owned. (Lots of brassy a$$ed terriers)
If done correctly, a game of tug can be very rewarding to a dog. Doing it correctly is mainly about your leadership ability.
If your a strong enough leader the dog can win the tug without creating dominance issues. The bottom line is that the dog understands the tug belongs to you and when the game is over you ALWAYS get it.
Something as simple as a change in you voice and actions(calmer)can signal the game is over.

Great discussion. I will add my $0.02 and agree with if you do choose to play tug, win or no win, picking up the toy at the end of the game and putting it away is priority. Otherwise, you run the risk of the dog becoming very possessive of the toy, and may become defensive. Makes me think of owners who let their dog on the couch and wonder why the dog growls at them when they try to move the dog or sit on their own couch--similiar principle in my mind. *You* are boss. Have fun with your pup and congratulations.

Mike,

"Yes!" to everything you said, and you said it well.

I like pushy dogs, too. They're more....um, interactive!

Thanks to all who've replied.

I think I'll play it by ear and get to know our pup a bit first.

A couple of things I probably should have added in my initial post:
1) I feel very comfortable with the NILIF plan and Ed's Groundwork program. Obviously I'm going to learn more once we get the dog (7 days from now we'll have him) but, based on what I've read / heard / watched, I feel confident.

2) I'm giving some consideration to doing Schutzhund with him. There are questions I still have as far as time commitment and the issue of distance to the nearest club, but I'd hate to waste the opportunity to develop our puppies drive if I do go ahead.

Thanks again everyone!

If you're going to do Schutzhund work with your pup, then you will be playing tug and you will be letting your pup win, as far as I understand it.

If you are interested in Schutzhund, there are some excellent people here to get info from (I am, sadly, not one of them!) so pet or working dog, you're certainly in the right place!

Best of luck to you whatever you do. Post a pic when you get the new pup!

Personally I think the balance lies in the middle somewhere. Pet owners can enjoy games of tug with thier dogs and many do. However they should be aware of the potential conflicts that this game can cause.

If the dog is very shy or submissive always playing the dominant figure and never allowing the dog to win or act pushy can also have a negative effect on the dog's frame of mind. Of course with a very dominant dog everything possible must be done to reinforce the pecking order and the handler's position as alpha (as well as the rest of the family).

In the case of a very young puppy such (as the pup in question here), if the owner (and his family) follow all the important steps to establish rank and structure I think he will be okay to enjoy playing tug. If he notices problems arrising then he may need to consider revising the game to include more 'rules'.

Our dogs don't generally have free choice access to thier toys (with the exception of chew toys or bones to keep the occupied when in thier crates). We decide when its time to play. When we play tug its big game and lots of fun. Often the dogs are allowed to win the tug... but all dogs are taught to release on command. When they release they're rewarded with the toy (to have). Usaully they bring it back for more. If the game is done I simply keep the toy and it goes away. Of course I get lots of that 'look', but they learn the rules quick enough. I love having a dog who is crazy for the tug toy (or ball)... its also a great tool for obedience training later on.

Anyway, just my own opinions. Hope thiy help. Good luck with yoru new pup, Hans. The 17th is fast approaching!! :-)

Bob ,I think the same way you do on this, I play tug with all my dogs, and at the end they know even if they won at the tug game , I can come and take it and it's mine no matter what.You have to balance it out a bit , I let them win , and other times they loose. It all depends how I feel that day