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Although everyone knows how to play Tug-Of-War, no one is certain how the game first came into being. It is thought that Tug-Of-War was practiced in Ancient Egypt and China, and that ancient Korean villages used Tug of War to settle disputes (the game is depicted on the commemorative coins minted for the 1988 Seoul Olympics). The first chronicled history comes from England in the 16th century. Today, the game has become world renowned and there is even a Tug-Of-War International Federation that helps promote and regulate the game.
While humans may have played Tug-Of-War since the Ancient Egyptians, it is my bet that dogs have known about the game for even longer. So many generations have engaged in the game that it has become an instinctive part of canine play. My mom's puppy Shana thinks Tug is the best game ever invented - and will happily play it with roots and plants if no person is readily at hand. My neighbor's lab will play tug by the hour with a greatly varied assortment of stuffed animals. And I have seen first hand pairs of dogs of all ages grab a rope or stuffed toy and engage in Tug-Of-War with each other. Despite the fact that dogs obviously love this game, pet owners have been reluctant to play tug with their dogs, and the game itself has earned the reputation of promoting aggression in canines.
SO WHY PLAY TUG?
There are numerous reasons to play tug with your dog. Tug is a natural outlet for energy and a great source of exercise. It is also a very versatile game and has the advantage of being playable either inside or out, in a large or small space, and with any size dog. Unlike fetch, Tug-Of -War is a great way to exercise an active dog who is stuck indoors on a rainy day. Playing Tug also helps teach your dog some valuable training skills and reinforces and enhances your high ranking position in the social structure. One side note, dogs love to growl during games of tug. As long as all other behaviors are appropriate, let him growl to his heart's content!
RULES TO PLAY BY
As with any game, Tug-Of- War has rules that need to be followed.
RULE 1: You start the game - You end the game
Keep the tug toy stored away when you are not playing with it. Only bring it out when you and/or your dog is in the mood to play. End the game with a cue like "give - all done" and put the toy away. As the leader, you are in control of the "good stuff."
RULE 2: No grabbing
Hold up the toy - if the dog grabs for it or leaps for it, say "oops!" and hide it behind your back. Continue to offer it until your dog is willing to wait for you start the game (my friend's lab for example is required to sit calmly before she can have her tug toy). Offer the dog's end to him and say "tug" or "pull" and away you go! Along these same lines, Tug provides a perfect opportunity to teach your dog where not to put his teeth. Anytime your dog's teeth stray into forbidden territory (such as your clothing or hands), instantly say in a cheerful tone a phrase like "too bad" and call a short time-out. Resume the game after a few minutes.
RULE 3: You win most of the time
"Winning" means you have the toy and the dog does not. Initially, you may have to say a command like "give" and offer a tasty treat. The dog will drop the toy to take the treat and you've won! After he eats the treat, say the command "tug" or "pull" and offer him his end of the toy again. This way, your dog actually gets two rewards for letting go: a treat and the toy back! Practice the "give" command several times during each tug session. Eventually, you will be able to fade out the use of the treat.
RULE 5: Always supervise children
Young children should never play tug with dogs. Older children can play only under supervision if they can exactly follow the rules, and if your dog is under reasonable self-control.
GUIDELINES FOR SELECTING A GOOD TUG TOY
1) It is long enough that your dog's teeth are away from your hand.
2) The toy is made of a substance that invites your dog to grab and hold, and will not easily cause damage to teeth and gums.
3) It is sturdy enough to withstand significant abuse.
4) The "human" end has either a comfortable handle, or allows you to easily maintain a solid grip.
Tara Nemeth is the Director of Field Development for Petlane, a pet product company offering the best toys, treats, gifts, and health and safety items for dogs, cats and birds. People, pets and pet products are Tara's passions. She lives in California with her husband and her 6 year old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Jade. She invites you to visit her company's website at http://www.petlane.com and for great pet parenting ideas, see her blog at http://www.petlane.com/blog
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