[Marlee]

I understand that some book say that tug of war is an ok game, but research has shown it isnt. Now yes I do have larger dogs as well, which is the bigger of the two problems when it come to tug of war, but tug of war does teach aggresion. It does in fact let the dog express it dominace and encourages the dog to try and achieve it over you. It can lead to problems such as biting, growling and snapping for nothing more than removeing their feeding dish to feed them. It can lead to the dog attacking other smaller dogs or children. Yes, I can exsert my power over my yorkie, but my youngest child may not, espically when you add in sharp teeth. Many dogs that owners feel are great family pets ofeten turn on the unsuspecting child, over something as small as placing a hand by their feeding dish, or picking up a toy they want to use to play with the dog.

Tug of war encourages agresion and violence as a way to get what they want, IMHO it is a bad idea no matter what their size. I wont chance my kids, grandkids, or other peoples hands, or my own dog for that matter. It isnt worth it, esp. if it comes down to something like playing a game with my dog, or having my dog later taken away from me because it was to aggressive somewhere else. ( I have known people that have lost thier dogs never imagining it could behave that way, all because of this stupid little game)

I would reccomend when your dog begins to tug at a toy tell them no. Gently remove the toy from them and drop it to the ground. They will realize in time if they pull at the toy, you will stop playing and will eventully give up for other fun times like fetch. Encouage them to find other ways to play, and avoid tug of war.

Like I said this is my oppinion, but I wont lose my dog for something that could be avioded, and thinking they are to small to do damage to anyone is ignorant. There are people smaller, weaker and with problems like thin skin that could be hurt by my dog if I am not careful. I wont encourage any dog to play this game, it is really just a bad idea.