Dog Tug Toys

At some point in every canine owner's life, there comes the question of whether or not to purchase dog tug toys for man's best friend. In fact, even trainers diverge on whether or not owners should play games such as tug ofwar with their dogs.

Trainers recommend specific steps to play tug of war.

Ask ten different dog trainers, veterinarians and breeders about tug of war with your dog, and you're likely to get ten different answers. Some experts feel that playing tug of war with a dog creates aggression and encourages rough play that can lead to problems down the road. Others feel that it depends upon the dog's temperament. Still others feel that it depends upon how you play the games with your dog.

Organizations such as the SPCA offer valuable tips on how to play tug of war with your dog. Here are a few sites with more information:

• San Francisco SPCA – This site offers a list of tug of war rules.
• Veterinary Partner – This webpage offers pros and cons of playing with dog tug toys.
• 4 Paws University Dog Training – This site outlines the history of tug of war beliefs and how to effectively play the game with your dog.

There are a few things to look for when purchasing a tug toy for your dog, such as:

• The toy should not have any frayed ends. These strings can catch between teeth. This is a particular problem for small dogs with teeth packed tightly together.
• The toy should not be easily destroyed or have parts that might come loose and present a choking hazard.
• Stay away from common household items such as socks. Playing tug of war with a sock will teach your dog that socks are toys. Good luck with any sock that misses the hamper from that point on.
• Do not use any dog tug toys that give you too strong of a grip on your end. You don't want to accidentally yank so hard that you pull out or damage a tooth.
• Decide the strength of your dog's chewing power. Some dogs are power chewers and others are not. The size of the dog doesn't always indicate this. Some small dogs are power chewers and will shred nearly any toy you purchase, while some large dogs are very gentle and will not destroy dog toys. This has as much to do with personality as anything. How fast your dog chews through a denta-bone or other such item can help you decide whether or not your dog is a power chewer.

There are some tried and true tug toys that many different owners love. Here are a few:

• Orbee Tuf Tug – This toy is made in the USA, and it's perfect for owner/dog tug of war or dog/dog tug of war. It's made of durable rubber.
• Bamboo Combat Extreme Bone Tug – Made of strong nylon, this toy offers a battle tested guarantee for endurance. This toy is best for medium dogs and larger.
• Kong Rubber Dog Tug Toy – Known for durable toys, Kong offers a tug toy for power chewers. It's designed for the safety of both dog and owner.
• Salsa – This toy features two squeakers and is machine washable.

To keep the use of dog tug toys safe for both owner and pet, here are a few guidelines to keep in mind:

• Never dangle your dog in the air as he holds onto the toy with his mouth. This can damage an animal's teeth and jaw.
• If the dog begins to act too aggressively, drop the toy and walk away.
• Do not leave the toy out at all times. When it is time to play, bring the toy out, and when it is time for play to end put it away.
• Use a special command, such as "tug" to indicate that it is time to start the game.

With a few precautions and forethought, you can find the perfect dog tug toy that will bring you and your pet hours of enjoyment.

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