Common Puppy Owner Mistake #9 – Treating Tug as a Bad Behavior
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The Mistake: Avoiding Tug Play for Fear of Aggression
Many new puppy owners avoid tug because they’ve heard it makes dogs aggressive. But the truth? Tug-of-war is one of the best games for building control, focus, and trust—when played correctly.
It’s not the game that’s dangerous. It’s how it’s taught.
Why Tug Is Actually a Good Thing
- Teaches "drop it" and "gentle" commands
- Channels bite energy into structured interaction
- Builds a strong relationship with the handler
- Burns physical and mental energy
How to Play Tug the Right Way
- Use a safe, durable toy like NeverBite™
- Control when the game starts and stops with cues
- Teach "drop it" and reward releases
- Stay calm—no rough jerking or angry pulling
- End on a win with calm praise
Why NeverBite™ Is the Ideal Tug Toy
- Built-in silicone hand protection for safe redirection
- Durable but soft materials for teething mouths
- Interactive design reinforces training through play
- Perfect for teaching bite control naturally
- More features
Final Word From the Crew
Tug isn't the enemy—chaotic, unstructured play is. When taught right, tug builds skills that make everything from recall to leash walking easier down the line.
🏴☠ Play smart. Train through tug with NeverBite™.