How to Play Tug of War with Your Dog: The Right Way
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Tug of War, Done Right: Turning Instinct into Connection
Tug of war often gets a bad rap.
Too rough. Too aggressive. Too risky.
But when done properly?
It’s one of the most powerful enrichment tools you can offer your dog; engaging their body, mind, and instincts all at once.
Let’s break down the right way to play tug… and why it matters more than you might think.
Why Tug Is Actually Good for Dogs
Tug taps into something deeply natural: your dog’s predatory instinct and desire to engage.
Research shows that structured tug play:
Strengthens the dog–human bond
Builds confidence and focus
Supports impulse control and training engagement
Provides both mental and physical stimulation
In fact, studies have found that tug-of-war does not increase dominance or aggression, and can actually improve attentiveness and engagement with humans
It’s not “just play”. It’s communication, trust-building, and enrichment rolled into one.
The Biggest Mistake: Don’t Shake the Toy
This is where many well-meaning humans get it wrong.
When you:
Yank the toy up and down
Twist sharply
Or shake it aggressively
You’re putting unnecessary strain on your dog’s:
Neck
Spine
Teeth
Experts recommend keeping the spine in a neutral, stable position during tug to avoid injury.
👉 Think of it this way:
You hold steady. You don’t thrash.
Let Your Dog Do the Shaking
Now here’s the twist…
Your dog should shake.
That wild side-to-side movement?
It’s called “ragging”, and it’s completely natural.
It mimics how dogs instinctively subdue prey and is driven by their genetic wiring, not aggression.
So instead of stopping it:
Allow it
Give them space
Let them express that instinct safely
🫶🏼 Your role isn’t to control the movement, it’s to create a safe outlet for your dog.
How to Play Tug of War with Your Dog: The Right Way
A good tug session is:
Short (10–15 seconds bursts)
Interactive (you are part of the game)
Structured (start, pause, restart)
Tips for a good tug session:
Let your dog win sometimes (this builds confidence and engagement)
Encourage a drop or reset cue
Keep movements low and horizontal, not vertical
Stop before your dog becomes over-aroused
Done right, tug becomes less about “winning” and more about playing together.
Why the Toy You Choose Matters
Not all tug toys are created equal.
Many traditional rope toys:
Fray into fibres
Can be ingested
Pose a risk of intestinal blockage
That's where thoughtful design makes all the difference.
The Apawrel Difference: Tug Toys with Purpose
Apawrel tug toys are designed with both safety and sustainability in mind.
Each toy is:
Handmade using reclaimed and repurposed fabrics
Created from materials destined for landfill, turning waste into enrichment
Designed to be gentler on teeth and gums, without the harsh “teef floss” effect of traditional rope fibres
This means:
Saying no to stringy fibres
Natural fabrics
Just safer, purposeful play
And because every piece is made by hand, no two toys are ever exactly the same, just like the dogs who love them.
Why We Add Blue or Purple
You’ll notice a signature detail in Apawrel tug toys: blue or purple elements woven into the design.
That’s intentional.
Dogs don’t see the world the same way we do, they primarily perceive blue and yellow tones, while reds and greens appear muted.
By incorporating blue:
Toys are easier for dogs to see and track
Engagement increases
Play becomes more intuitive
It’s a small design choice that makes a big difference in how your dog experiences the game.
Shop Apawrel Rope Dog Toys
Apawrel tug toys are available through:
The official Apawrel website store
Market Fair Preston: Unit 7/85 Chifley Dr, Preston VIC 3072
Social channels via @apawrel.official
Each purchase supports:
Waste reduction
Small-batch ethical production
A more sustainable future for pet products
Final Thought: It’s Not About the Tug
At its core, tug isn’t about the toy.
It’s about: Connection, Communication and Trust
When you play tug the right way, you’re not just burning energy… you’re building a relationship.
And that’s something worth holding onto.
🐾 Team Apawrel
References:
American Kennel Club. (n.d.). Is tug-of-war bad for dogs? Retrieved from https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/lifestyle/is-tug-of-war-bad-for-dogs/
Rooney, N. J., & Bradshaw, J. W. S. (2002). An experimental study of the effects of play upon the dog–human relationship. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 75(2), 161–176. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0168-1591(01)00192-7
Environmental Literacy Council. (n.d.). Why does my dog shake her head when playing tug of war? Retrieved from https://enviroliteracy.org/why-does-my-dog-shake-her-head-when-playing-tug-of-war/
Turramurra Veterinary Hospital. (n.d.). Benefits of playing tug-o-war with your dog. Retrieved from https://www.turramurravet.com.au/pet-behaviour/benefits-playing-tug-o-war-dog/
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