my vetrinarian advised against playing tug with the new puppy. thoughts?

**Elli** · 08-17-2007, 11:06 AM

It depends on the dog's personality, I think. The puppy my mom got when I was 10 was already a snappy bitch, then we played tug with it all the time and it got worse. By the time it was an adult, it would bite you for standing too close to its food dish or for looking at it funny! Not fun.

If it's a very timid dog though, I think it might do some good and teach it assertiveness.

**EdgeXXX** · 08-17-2007, 11:08 AM

Pics of the puppy?

**tASSy** · 08-17-2007, 11:12 AM

what kind of puppy do you have? in general, i think it's better to run your dog into tiredness rather than playing games that promote dominant behaviour. tug of war is one of those games, and you always want to be the alpha "dog" in the house if you know what i mean.

also, depending on the breed and size of the dog you can pull their teeth out playing tug o' war.

do you have puppy pics? i'm a sucker for dogs. :P

**baddog** · 08-17-2007, 11:14 AM

tug of war just makes him try to prove he is boss

**AsianDivaGirlsWebDude** · 08-17-2007, 11:14 AM

I guess it depends on what you're tugging...

ADG

**sltr** · 08-17-2007, 11:34 AM

here's my little buddy, his name is Chaco!

these are a couple of pics from the breeder, he's about 10 weeks old in the pics and 12 weeks old now

**KimJI** · 08-17-2007, 11:43 AM

IF you aren't strong enough mentally to dominate, or act as a dominant pack leader, its not a smart thing to play "tug" with a strong dog.

**Baal.PitBull** · 08-17-2007, 11:49 AM

I love playing tug with my dogs. but then they are female and KNOW I'm the alpha male

D · 08-17-2007, 12:33 PM

Originally posted by Baal.PitBull

I love playing tug with my dogs. but then they are female and KNOW I'm the alpha male

I won't ask how.

my vetrinarian advised against playing tug with the new puppy. thoughts?