Does tug of war cause aggression in dogs?
Table of Contents
Does tug of war cause aggression in dogs?
Tug of war won’t make your dog aggressive, but it might intensify unwanted behaviors or patterns that are already present. Before you play tug of war, you need to set a few ground rules.
Is it OK if my dog growls while playing?
Rough-housing is normal and healthy for dogs, whether they’re growling at each other, lunging, wrestling or even biting- it’s all part of how they play. Sometimes though, the lines are blurred when it comes to distinguishing between what is friendly and what is fighting.
Why should you not play tug of war with your dog?
Tug of war played correctly will not encourage aggression in your dog or puppy. However, do not play tug of war with dogs that guard objects or display aggression as this may intensify aggressive tendencies the dog already has.
Why does my dog growl when he plays with his toys?
Canine possession aggression is also sometimes referred to as food aggression or resource guarding. If your dog has this problem, it may growl, snap, or bite to protect a resource, such as food, toys, beds, or other objects, from being taken away by another dog or person. This is the dog’s way of saying, Back off!