Playing Tug of War with Dogs: Benefits and Safety

Playing tug of war with dogs isn’t just about having fun — it’s one of the best ways to build a strong bond, boost their confidence, and give them a great physical and mental workout.

It’s also a great outlet for your dog’s natural instincts. It teaches them good manners around play, helps burn off excess energy, and can even be used as a reward during training sessions.  Tug of war is actually a really common reward for scent detection and police dogs after a job well done.

But like any game, it’s important to play tug of war safely.

One of the most common mistakes people make is lifting the tug toy up into the air or yanking it around, which can put strain on your dog’s neck, spine, and joints — especially in puppies, seniors, or breeds with skeletal issues.

So, always keep the tug toy low and move it gently from side to side, or forward and back, staying in line with their spine.

Teaching a solid “drop it” or “leave it” cue is also essential for safe tug of war play. It helps keep the game under control and prevents any accidental nips. And if you already use “drop” to mean lie down, choose a different word like “leave it” to avoid confusion.

And remember — it’s not about you winning. Let them win sometimes! It builds their confidence and keeps the game fun and rewarding.

Use something that isn’t going to rip or break easily when playing tug of war with your dog.  The Go Get Bungee Tug Toy is great because it’s lightweight, super durable, and has a soft padded handle to make it a bit easier on you.

You’ll find it at your local Petstock store or online, along with some other fun Go Get toys.

About the Author: Lara Shannon is a certified dog behaviourist and trainer, pet food nutrition specialist, Executive Producer and Host of Pooches at Play on Channel 10 and editor of Poochesatplay.com. Lara also runs her own dog training business in Melbourne’s Bayside area and is the Author of World of Dogs and Eat, Play, Love (Your Dog).