A common misconception is that playing tug with a dog will make them aggressive. I have a hard time figuring out where this belief comes from. Maybe because the game can look aggressive at times? Or because the dog is biting and shaking the toy? Not sure. Often, this comes up with specific breeds. A Border Collie plays tug and no one is concerned, but a Pit Bull? Never! This line of thinking is backwards and is negatively impacting dogs throughout the world.
One of the biggest issues in the dog ownership community is poor understanding of breed types and fulfillment. Dogs have been bred for various roles throughout history and need an outlet for these genetic traits. Hunting dogs such as labs or spaniels love to run and chase, Border Collies herd, livestock guardian breeds are alert and watchful. These are general statements and dogs are each individuals with their own traits, but often the breed will give you an idea of what a dog likes. My own dogs are a great example, with a Belgian Shepherd and a Springer Spaniel. The spaniel loves to chase the ball, it mimics chasing a rabbit or a bird and that is what his genetics tell him to do. Belgian shepherds were originally bred to herd sheep, but more recently have moved into police and military roles. As a breed, their genetics tell them to chase, bite, and hold on. Tug is his favorite game in the world. It is what he was quite literally born to do.
With an understanding of breeds and their traits, we can begin to give dogs the fulfillment they deserve. If I were to take my shepherd and never let him bite and pull on a toy, he would go insane. Take your favorite hobby, let’s say its golf, not only are you not allowed to play the game, you also have to be surrounded by the game constantly. People around you are putting on a green, swinging a club, or talking about it all the time. That is how a dog feels when you ignore the things they were meant to do and it can easily cause behavioral problems.
Dogs need an outlet for these generic traits (also called “drives”). Tug is a great way to bond with your dog, while also fulfilling the needs they have. One way or another, dogs will find a way to meet these needs. I can either provide a healthy way through games, or they will find their own way, which often looks like poor behaviors. So when someone says tug causes behavioral issues, tell them the opposite is true. It fixes them.
Find out what traits your own dog has. Googling the breed and history can help, but really the best way is to just play with them. Do they like when you tug on a rope? Or do they drop it and walk away. Maybe its chasing a ball, or a frisbee, or even just running around the yard with you. Each dog and breed have their own characteristics, so experiment a little.