[Doug Crf]

Just wondering about tug a war.I have heard both ways Yes and no.I know one thing for sure is that it would help us if playing tug a war is not a bad thing because it would help wear down my wife's monster puppy.I think.
Thanks Doug

[labman]

As I said in my answer to your other question, there is a lot of garbage around about training dogs. Playing tug of war can make it harder to make the dog drop something it shouldn't have. You need to behave entirely differently when playing tug of war and when trying to retrieve something. When playing, be happy and excited. When he has something other than his toys, Call his name and give him a stern ''Drop it!'' in a quiet, firm voice. Make eye contact and hold it. If he still doesn't drop it, squeeze his jaws where they meet, forcing his mouth open and let it fall. However he releases it, praise him afterwards. One very important point about tug of war, when the game is over, you keep the toy and put it up. That way he doesn't get the idea that as top dog he gets to keep it.

The pet stores are full of toys that many dogs will quickly chew up into
Pieces they could choke on or cause intestinal blockages. If you are not
There to watch, stick to sturdy stuff such as Nylabones and Kongs. Keep a
Close eye on chew toys and quickly discard anything that is coming apart in
Pieces. Rawhide is especially bad because it swells after being swallowed.
These problems are the worst with, but not limited to, large, aggressive
Chewers such as Labs.

Ropes from the pets' store quickly turn to hazardous shreds. Ones I made
Lasted much better. Go to a hardware or home center that sells rope by the
Foot. Buy 2' of 3/4" poly rope. Melt the ends, and tie knots in it. Get
Them as tight as possible, put it in a vise and pound it with a hammer. Watch
Carefully, and be ready to discard when it comes apart

[fredg]

Hi, Doug,
The other answer before mine gave you a lot of information.
But, you didn't way what you were using to play tug-of-war.
If it's socks, towels, something in the house, then I wouldn't.
If it's a type of rope or something that is meant to be just for this exercise, then go for it! I do think you are going to need more than 2 feet of rope!
The puppy can eat 2 feet, just getting a good hold on it! Then, it will be close to your hands.
Get whatever length you feel comfortable with. I do wish you, your wife, and your puppy love and happiness. They are GREAT!