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This game can cause trouble if it’s not well directed. But it can also teach your dog a number of important skills.

by Pat Miller

Some trainers say you shouldn’t play tug with your dog. Not me! Those of you who enjoy this energy-eating aerobic activity with your dog will be pleased to know that I personally think it’s a fine game to play, as long as you’re using appropriate tug toys and playing with rules.

(Top) Paws loves playing tug more than anything in the world. He growls and even barks (with his teeth clenched shut!) in a most fearsome manner, and is incredibly strong. (Above) The game does not make him aggressive or “dominant” because he is allowed to play tug only if he adheres to the rules, especially the dictum against grabbing the toy without permission.

Tug, in case you’ve never had the pleasure of playing, is a fun and exciting game, in which you hold one end of a tug object while your dog pulls with all his might on the other end. Variations include dog-dog tug, tug human around on a wheeled object (such as an office chair), and self-tug (in…

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