The Power of Tug: Why Tug of War Is One of the Best Games You Can Play With Your Dog
| As a pet store owner, trainer and lifelong dog enthusiast, I’m constantly surprised by how often tug of war is misunderstood. Many people still believe it encourages dominance or aggression. In reality, when played correctly, tug is one of the most powerful enrichment and training tools you can offer your dog. |
| At Sacred Pet Boutique, we regularly recommend quality tug toys because they provide physical exercise, mental stimulation and an opportunity to strengthen the bond between you and your dog. |
You can explore our range of durable, enrichment-focused toys in our online store here: https://sacredpetboutique.com.au
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| 1. Tug Builds a Stronger Bond |
| Dogs are social, interactive creatures. Tug of war mimics natural play behaviours such as grabbing and pulling, which are rooted in prey drive and cooperative play. When you engage in tug with your dog, you’re not creating conflict — you’re building connection. |
| The game becomes a shared activity where your dog learns: |
| To focus on you |
| To respond to cues |
| That playing with you is more rewarding than playing alone |
| For puppies especially, structured tug sessions are an excellent way to redirect nipping and teach appropriate play. |
| 2. It’s Fantastic Physical Exercise |
| Tug is a full-body workout. It engages your dog’s: |
| Neck and shoulder muscles |
| Core strength |
| Jaw muscles |
| Balance and coordination |
| For high-energy breeds, a few minutes of focused tug can burn significant energy. For senior dogs or those who cannot run long distances, controlled tug can be a safer alternative to high-impact exercise. |
| The key is using a well-made tug toy that is strong, safe and designed specifically for dogs. |
| 3. Tug Is a Brilliant Training Tool |
| In professional training, tug is often used as a high-value reward. For dogs who aren’t food motivated, tug can be even more powerful than treats. |
| You can use tug to: |
| Reinforce recall |
| Build engagement in distracted environments |
| Teach impulse control |
| Reward obedience behaviours |
| The magic happens when you introduce simple rules: |
| The game starts when you say so |
| The game stops when you say “drop” |
| Teeth on skin ends the game immediately |
This teaches self-control and emotional regulation, not aggression.
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| 4. It Teaches Impulse Control |
| Contrary to outdated myths, tug done properly actually improves a dog’s manners. By asking your dog to sit before starting, drop on cue, and wait before re-engaging, you’re strengthening their ability to manage excitement. |
Dogs who learn to switch between high arousal (tug) and calm behaviour on cue often show improved overall obedience.
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| 5. It Supports Mental Stimulation |
| Tug requires problem solving. Your dog adjusts their grip, their body position and their strength in response to your movement. That mental engagement is enriching and satisfying. |
| Enrichment isn’t just puzzle feeders and long walks. Interactive play is just as important. |
| Choosing the Right Tug Toy |
| Not all tug toys are equal. Avoid brittle plastic or toys that fray easily and become unsafe. Look for: |
| Durable stitching |
| Safe, dog-friendly materials |
| Comfortable grip for you |
| Appropriate size for your dog’s mouth |
| If you’re unsure what’s best for your dog’s breed, age or temperament, reach out to us through Sacred Pet Boutique. We’re always happy to guide you. |
| How to Play Tug Safely |
| A few simple rules keep the game positive: |
| Always let your dog win sometimes |
| Keep sessions short and upbeat |
| Stop while your dog still wants more |
| Never yank upward on a puppy’s neck |
| Teach a reliable “drop” cue |
| When structured properly, tug is not about dominance. It’s about partnership. |
| Final Thoughts |
| Tug of war is not just a game — it’s exercise, enrichment, relationship-building and training all in one. Whether you have a boisterous working breed or a playful companion dog, structured tug sessions can dramatically improve your dog’s wellbeing. |
| If you’re looking to add safe, durable tug toys to your enrichment routine, visit our online store at https://sacredpetboutique.com.au and choose toys designed with both fun and safety in mind. |
| Your dog will thank you for it. |