Does playing Tug-a-War with a Pit make him aggressive. We have a 8 month old Pit and my husband likes to play tugawar with him and I am afraid it may make him aggressive, myself and the kids play fetch. Are there any games that we should not play with Pits to stay away from aggression?
2007-05-24 07:04:14 · 12 answers · asked by Shannon 2 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Hi Shannon.
I had a pit bull a few years ago, and we used to play tug-of-war with her all of the time. She was the sweetest, gentlest little thing I'd ever met, and she never once so much as growled at anyone (well, except during tug-of-war, but that's all in play, haha!)
Playing tug-of-war will NOT magically turn your dog into a monster! Your pit bull will NOT murder your kids... EVER! wvtalbot and Sarah obviously have never owned a pit, as Pit bulls are the sweetest, most loyal dogs you could ever come into contact with.. killing a child is not something the average pit bull does!
Our Pit had absolutely no dominative qualities about her, so tug-of-war wasn't a big deal for her. However, if your dog is more dominant, you should not let him win at the game of tug-of-war, as it will boost his ego. It won't cause him to go on a rampage and murder people if he wins at tug-of-war, but he will be more affectionate and will see you as more of an alpha if you consistently win the game. :]
Good luck, and here's to hoping your pit lives a long, healthy life. :]
2007-05-24 07:16:44 · answer #1 · answered by trothbetold 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋
We have a 3 year old pit bull and we sometimes play tug of war with him, he has never shown aggression towards any person or any other animal in his life. It is sad that these dogs have a bad rep but playing certain games with him won't make him aggressive, it's how you treat your pet. He should be fine, all puppies can play tug of war without becoming aggressive.
2007-05-24 07:12:04 · answer #2 · answered by lovin' life... 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
just treat him as any other dog, the only difference you need with a pit or any other strong willed dog, is just a strong sense of being a pack leader and always being in control.
No reason a pit shouldnt be able to play tug-o-war, if he gets to riled up teach him "easy".
My fiancee plays VERY rough with our pitbull, I do not, they wrestle like crazy. I prefer to snuggle and get kisses. And our pit knows this and will not play rough with me.
Our dogs play tug-o-war together, the pup snarls and growls, and we correct her. the Pit never really makes a noise just stands there and holds it while the puppy goes nuts, but if he does growl a bit we tell him 'easy' and he will stop, if not drop the toy and walk away.
So, no, i see no reason why he can't play any game any other dog would play. As for your kids, I would stick to fetch. Just because your husband probably plays rough with your dog and the dog may think he can play like that with the kids too. So just to avoid it, I would stick with fetch when its playtime with the kids
2007-05-24 07:10:37 · answer #3 · answered by Katie 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I have a pit and he is the biggest baby in the world. He is a 75 lb lap dog. We play tug of war with him all the time. You will be amazed how great pits are with kids! Actually, way back when, parents would send their pits in the fields with their children as make shift babysitters! As long as you have brought your puppy up to be a good dog, he will remain one. I have treated mine like one of my kids and he wouldn't hurt a fly. We had a person our dog didn't know enter our house (when we were not at home) and all he would do is bark and make sure the person didn't leave the entrance way. (unless it was back out the door of course) Pits are GREAT dogs, and anyone that says otherwise has never met a pit that is cared for. They are just like ANY dog.. if you make them mean, they will be mean.
Sorry such a long answer... the short of it though, NO, play with him anyway you want to, just don't try to fight him and you will be fine.
2007-05-24 07:18:34 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
Tug-of-war is a fun game that looks and sounds kinda over-the-top! But *if* your dog has a good "give" or "out" or whatever you'd like to call it, it's fine to play this with your dog. Practice the "Give!" and always, always reward your dog with a treat that he loves when he drops the toy. It's never a bad thing to practice this, and then test the dog's knowledge of the command by asking for a "Give!" - right in the middle of play.
This game also has the benefit of showing the dog that he doesn't need to worry when humans approach and ask for the bone he's chewing, etc. Dogs can get very nervous and angry when 'their' things are taken away and not given back. To practice this, when your dog is chewing on a chewy or playing with a toy, say "Drop!" (or whatever word you're going to use) and then scatter treats around his head so that he leaves the chewy thing and gets the treats. Pretty cool deal for everyone, and another game to always play with your dog.
http://www.clickersolutions.com/articles/#puppy
2007-05-24 07:19:19 · answer #5 · answered by Misa M 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No it will not make him aggressive as long as your husband is not promoting aggression. All dogs love tug o war, and it is something that you should have under control. Try having the kids play with the dog.
2007-05-24 07:14:43 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
First answer notwithstanding
The VERY best "game" I play with my (rescued from a fighting pit by me) beloved pittie is OBEDIENCE.
Baby Blue loves obedience. It's a REALLY fun sport. AND it's the basis of other activities and sports that you and your dog will have great fun with - obstical course, therapy dog, search and rescue, fly ball, and others. Yes, I can't say enough good about OBEDIENCE.
tug of war is not a bad game per se - but it should be played carefully. If dog (any breed) makes a rumbly sound, stop. If dog shakes his head back and forth, stop. If dog thinks he's going to drag you around the yard, stop.
2007-05-24 07:13:24 · answer #7 · answered by Barbara B 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
I don't agree with the jerk that said if you own a "sick animal" your kids should be taken away. He obviously has no clue on Pitbulls. I would not recommend tug a war. I have 2 pits and they enjoy playing ball. I make them go get it and bring it back.
2007-05-24 07:11:49 · answer #8 · answered by GLAMOROUS 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
playing with your dog does not make him aggressive. Playing tug of war does not make a dog aggressive.
Dogs become aggressive when they are not properly trained and controlled.
Remember, all dogs are animals. Even yours. You should be the one making the decisions on how the dog acts, and what it does, not the dog.
2007-05-24 07:09:36 · answer #9 · answered by Jared D 2 · 5⤊ 0⤋
My trainer advised us not to play tug-of-war unless our bully knows the command "drop" and WILL drop when you tell him to. Also, YOU as the owner should initiate and end this game, to keep your dominance known. Be sure to let your pit win sometimes, and you win sometimes to keep it fair. Otherwise, it's a fun game and a great outlet for their endless energy.
2007-05-24 07:13:42 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋