tug-of-war = bad?

My mom always yells at me for playing tug-of-war with her dobie, claiming it will cause aggression. I havent seen any problems with her... Now I have my pit and she is freaking out even more. My dog absolutely loves playing tug-of-war, she gets really loud sometimes, its kinda amusing. Azaira usually lets go when I tell her to, and if she doesnt, I end up prying her mouth open (generally not that hard...) and I take the toy from her. She doesnt get it back for a few minutes and when she does, she usually has learned when I tell her off it means off. She doesnt show any signs of aggression either, but could it cause problems?

 

As long as you end the game, and the dogs know it's ended, I see no problem with it.

 

Depends on the dog, depends on the handler, depends on the situation. Playing tug with a dog without knowing how to properly set boundaries and enforce rules is asking for an accident, IMO-especially if you have small children in the house.

 

There is nothing wrong with tug of war. Just use your common sense... And that you remain in charge of the game at all times. ex. If you want to stop playing tug of war and the dog is refusing to let go, then you need to learn how to control your dog... Be more dominant.

 

Do you have a "release" command? I would consider using one if you want total control of the game. When you start training it, use a high value treat ( a treat he likes more than tug of war) to get him to release. Then immediately start playing it again, so your dog doesn't think the fun has to end when he obeys the command.

 

Don't get me wrong, I understand the whole release command thing. However, if you know of a "high value treat" that a fully engaged real-deal bulldog likes more than tug of war, please let me know what it us so I can buy it from you by the bushel. I'm not saying that the op's dog is more real that anyone else's, but I just think that if you're going to offer advice, offer it with the drive and determination this breed should be bred for in mind. For the dogs I know, the only thing they like better than tug of war is tug of war with the dog in the space across the yard.

 

A cat should work.

 

as long as you dog knows the essential "drop it" command then i dont see the problem. The only problem i could see would be that if your dog was stronger and felt dominate over you bc of the game. But if they know drop it then it doesnt matter bc when u say drop and tell them not to go for it anymore thats the end of the game. My grandma tells me it makes them mean but thats just a preception people have. Its fun for them, my dogs get so excited when they see me holding teh tug rope, i dont have the heart to take that game away from them

 

i like to tie them up and let them play against each other so i dont have to be outside as long but they rather play with me than each other. But i like lettin them work each other out

 

I'm not even going to go there. Just let me know when I can expect my first bushel of kittys. Deal's a deal, after all.

 

Tug doesn't make dogs mean. If done improperly, it can help some dogs become a little more careless with and disrespectful towards some people, and unfortunatly that's all it takes for accidents to happen. As long as one know what one is doing and keeps control of the game, the dog, and circumstances,-more power to ya.

 

I agree with you 100%
My dog MUST be obedient
Only thing i hate more is a DUMB dog lol

 

theres nothing wrong with it as long as you are the dominant one

and your mom is more scared of your pit bull (a non human aggressive breed) than a dobie (a breed bred to be HA)?

 

I honestly haven't met a lot of dumb dogs; mostly just dogs owned by people who didn't have the knowledge, time, or patience to train them properly.

 

The drop it command may not always work as a high drive dog will rather suffer the consequences of not obeying the command than stop play a game of Tug of War. Even the most obedient dog will disobey sometimes and being around bulldogs for a while, you can bet that this breed will.

We use the "high value treat" more of a attention getting command but can work to release a game of tug of war. When I say "treat", most people like HighCoast assume a piece of hot dog or something. But you can use anything your dog values highly. If your dog values Tug of War the highest, then it will not work.

Our treat is a stuffed coon. Most bulldogs (at least from my experience) will rather work a prey than play tug. Again some bulldogs won't, but I think it is quite rare.

With that said, our "release" command is a breaking stick.

 

If your 100% serious. PM I can get you the kitties.

 

OK now, just as long as you clarify so that slow learners, like me, can understand.

 

Can you guarantee a full bushel?

 

Yes its roughly 2200 cubic inches or 8 gallons. Ill contact the supplier. PM me.

 

Dammit, all that cat piss, and the meowing. Aight, you win. I'm picking up my pug and going home. You got this one.