While we don't know for sure why dogs like to tug, there are some science-based explanations, like it is a way for your dog to strengthen their bond with you and other animals. Learn more about the benefits, risks, and how to play tug of war with your dog here.

There are some things that our dogs do that would seem pretty ridiculous if we tried to do ourselves (like roll around in a questionable smell in the grass, while on a walk). But some things are actually quite fun for us as well, like a game of tug of war (at least grade school me would think so).

But our reasons for playing this game are a little different than our canine friends. 

So what’s the deal with dogs and their instinct to tug? We’ll break it down for you today, answering questions like:

What are the benefits and risks of your dog tugging?

Should you let your dog win when tugging?

Does tug of war make your dog more aggressive?

You can use that table of contents to navigate through the article, or start from the beginning to learn about all things tug of war! 

TUG OF WAR: WHY DOGS LIKE TO TUG, BENEFITS AND RISKS, AND HOW TO PLAY

While we don’t know for sure why your dog is so into tug of war, with what we know about dog behavior, we can make a pretty good guess. Here are three science-based explanations for why dogs like to tug:

It’s a way to strengthen bonds - Dogs use collaborative play to establish relationships and build trust. Tug of war can be played between two dogs or a dog and a person, so it’s a great bonding activity.

It plays into their prey drive instinct - Tugging lets dogs practice capturing their prey and keeping it away from other predators trying to steal their prize. It’s a functional game, meaning that although your dog knows they’re playing and having fun, they’re practicing skills.

Dogs enjoy pulling things apart and chewing - your dog is just playing based on instincts. Tugging is a good way for dogs to redirect biting into a fun game that lets them grasp and pull. 

Whether it’s one of these reasons or all three, there’s no denying that for most dogs, tug of war is a fan favorite.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS AND RISKS OF YOUR DOG TUGGING?

With that in mind, you may be wondering if you should let your dog tug as much as they want or not. To do that, you should weigh the benefits and any potential risks. 

Exercise - This is a great way to burn off some energy either indoors or outdoors, making it an excellent exercise option for bad weather.

Relationship building - It’s a great way to bond, either between two dogs or a dog and person.

Engagement of instincts - Any activity that allows dogs to satisfy their instincts is very engaging and can decrease unwanted behaviors at other times.

Confidence - Collaborative games can help shy dogs come out of their shell and even learn to better socialize with other dogs and people.

Training - If you know your dog loves tug of war, you can use it as a reward during training or even use it for training behaviors like “drop.”

Teeth cleaning - We left this one for last because there’s not a ton of scientific evidence to support it, but some tug toys do offer dental benefits.

Some people are hesitant to play tug of war with their dogs because they fear risks that they’ve heard through the grapevine, including:

It will make your dog think they are dominant

It establishes your dog as the “alpha” 

If your dog ever wins, they think they are the leader of the pack and won’t listen to cues

The good news is that dominance, pack, and alpha theories are not well supported by science, according to the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior. The alpha and domination theories have been debunked time and time again, so there’s no need to stress about playing tug of war with your dog, especially if you do it right. 

We want to help you set your dog, and yourself, up for success for your next game of tug of war -- here’s how to approach the game:

Teach a release cue - This is an often overlooked, but important, prerequisite for tug of war. Teaching your dog a cue like “drop it” will help you maintain focus and control throughout the play session, as well as use the game for training. You can learn more about teaching skills like “drop it” in Pupford Academy. 

Choose the right toy - You want to be sure you pick a toy that’s designed for tugging. It’s important to choose a tug toy that’s durable, flexible, and has a handle so you can keep your hand away from your dog’s mouth. We designed the Fire Hose Tug Toy with tug of war in mind - it’s made from heavy-duty material (fire hose!) that’s flexible when bitten with strong handles.

Pick a good spot - You’ll want to play in an area that’s free from distractions and hazards so you have plenty of space to move with your dog as the game progresses.

Watch for body language - Know the signs that the game is getting out of hand and needs to end. Growling is normal, and usually isn’t a concern especially if your dog’s tail is still wagging. However, if at any point your dog’s teeth come in contact with you, growling gets intense, or tugging is directed at anything other than the toy, say your release cue and stop the game immediately. Take a break, move on to something new, or give some different cues to refocus your dog before continuing.

Following these steps will ensure a fun -- and safe -- game of tug of war.

SHOULD YOU LET YOUR DOG WIN WHEN TUGGING?

Going back to the concern about risks we discussed before, there really is no evidence that suggests you should let your dog win tug of war, or never let them win for that matter.

That’s not to say you shouldn’t be in control over the game. Remember to utilize the drop cue and stop the game if it’s getting too rough. Follow those guidelines and it doesn’t matter who “wins,” as long as everyone’s having fun!

DOES TUG OF WAR MAKE YOUR DOG MORE “AGGRESSIVE?”

No. Claims that tug of war makes dogs more aggressive have been largely debunked by veterinarians and dog behavior specialists. 

We sound like a broken record now, but as long as you’re following the guidelines we outlined before, there should be no issue with aggression in dogs who play tug of war. 

And remember, a great game starts with having the right toy to play it with. So if you’re looking to incorporate tug of war into your dog’s routine, get started with the Fire Hose Tug Toy and be sure to let us know how your dog likes it! 


Tug of War: Why Dogs Like to Tug, Benefits and Risks, and How to Play | Pupford