Playing tug will not make your dog aggressive. It will increase his prey drive and desire to play. If you play in a "normal" way, fun, easy going, good nature you should not have a problem. If your being suspicious or acting in a manor that tells the dog that this is not a game, rather it's a fight you might bring some other issues out of the dog. Playing tug IMO is a good way to bond with your dog, and allow your dog to have a good time. He/she will probably relieve himself of some stress during these play sessions. If your trying to use the dog for an application; schutzhund, SAR, agility..etc, having good prey drive is a good way to start.
I think it depends on how you define aggression, and there are different types of aggression. Playing tug can build a pup's prey drive which is another term for predatory aggression. Building the prey drive will strengthen the behavior of biting objects, people, and animals that move. I am trying to give Dawn a broader perspective on this issue. If she just wants a pet that doesn't bite her ankles, or have to worry about a pup playfully biting at children in prey drive, then I wouldn't play tug with the pup. Otherwise people know the advantages of building prey drive for obedience, and other forms of training. Also, anytime you build prey and let the pup win, you are potentially setting up conflict, with the pup seeing you as weaker. Again, this generally isn't an issue for folks seriously trying to build some type of foundation training, but it could lead to problems for someone just wanting a calm pet.
Robert VanCamp Webboard User Reg: 11-28-2001
Posts: 3916
Loc:
Offline
Total horsecrap!
Playing tug-O-war with your dog doesn't build aggression. . .not at all.
Encouraging playing tug of war won't make your dog nip at kids and moving animals by awakening their prey drive either.
This is how it works. . .reinforcing aggression causes aggression, playing tug-O-war doesn't.
You can discourage your dog from nipping people, you can discourage unnecessary aggression, AND you can still play tug with your dog. It is actually the perfect way to redirect most mouthing and nipping into a positive outlet.
If you have a decent relationship with your dog, and you keep the context of the play on biting a toy or prey object, you will not have any problems. In fact you might even create a more happy dog that way. Letting him/her have a positive outlet for the desire to rough house and bite things is a GOOD thing.
Well thank you all for your help. Our puppy is a lab mix and seems to be very smart. We are not rough with her she likes to play fetch mostly. We will get into training and obedience classes soon she is only 7 weeks old. Thanks again. Dawn
I've played tug with my dogs WAY before it was considered wrong to do so by the so called "experts", and I will continue to do so till my dogs drag me off to the compost pile.
When purchasing any product from Leerburg Enterprises, Inc. it is understood
that any and all products sold by Leerburg Enterprises, Inc. are sold in Dunn
County Wisconsin, USA. Any and all legal action taken against Leerburg Enterprises,
Inc. concerning the purchase or use of these products must take place in Dunn
County, Wisconsin. If customers do not agree with this policy they should not
purchase Leerburg Ent. Inc. products.
Dog Training is never without risk of injury. Do not use any of the products
sold by Leerburg Enterprises, Inc. without consulting a local professional.
The training methods shown in the Leerburg Ent. Inc. DVD’s are meant
to be used with a local instructor or trainer. Leerburg Enterprises, Inc. cannot
be held responsible for accidents or injuries to humans and/or animals.
Copyright 2010 Leerburg® Enterprises, Inc. All rights reserved. All photos and content on leerburg.com are part of a registered copyright owned by Leerburg Enterprise, Inc.
By accessing any information within Leerburg.com, you agree to abide by the
Leerburg.com Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Top
Previous Topic
Index
Next Topic
