Did you think that your dog’s daily game of tug couldn’t get any better? Think again! We have some great advice on how to spice things up in a safe way.

A favorite among dogs

Tug-of-war is one of those classic dog games that seem to be loved by nearly any dog – and for good reasons! It allows them to bond with their human companions while getting rid of any pent-up energy. In addition, tug is one of the few games that can be played between dogs, without a human having to be involved.

Add tug toys to the mix

Make your dog’s daily game of tug even more exciting by using specialized toys. In our ZEUS Fitness range, you can find a wide array of toys that are perfect for tug-loving pooches. For the tennis ball freaks among dogs, we have tennis ball tugs in various shapes and sizes. Is your canine more of a fan of soft but super-strong thermoplastic rubber toys? Then, our TPR and rope tugs will be right up their alley! And finally, for the fans of everything cute, there’s the tough nylon bone with rope tug.

Is tug-of-war the right game for your dog?

It seems obvious, but dogs that suffer from problems with their neck, back, shoulders or hips shouldn’t play tug, especially not when other dogs are involved. The same goes for dogs that have or might have dental issues. Your pooch trying to stop the rope from being yanked out of their mouth could easily worsen existing ailments. Also, even though it might seem super appealing, don’t go playing tug with your new pup. When a puppy tooth gets yanked out, the abrupt move might disturb the direction of growth of the adult tooth that will eventually take its place, potentially causing a steep vet bill.

Teach your dog a release cue

Dogs are tough animals that can pack some serious pulling strength. Prevent injuries to your wrists, elbows, and shoulders by teaching your dog a release command such as ‘drop it’ or ‘mine’ that you can use when your dog is getting too rough. In fact, a release cue is also a great way of reminding your hyped-up dog that you are the one in charge.

Small dog vs. big dog

Even though your canines surely don’t mean each other any harm, always closely supervise a game of tug between a small dog and a large one. A big dog that shakes their head left and right while a small pupper tries to hold on to the other end of the rope, can end very badly. Also, don’t allow your dogs to play tug if one of them is overly possessive in nature, regardless of the dog’s size. Signs are growling, snarling, lunging, or biting when anyone comes near their food or their favorite toy.