How to Play Tug Safely With a Puppy: Training, Teething and Toy Safety

By Dr Duncan Houston.

Tug can be an excellent game for puppies. It channels natural grabbing and pulling behaviour into an appropriate activity while helping you build engagement, practise toy exchanges and teach your puppy that releasing an object makes the fun continue.

Safe tug should be cooperative rather than confrontational. The toy stays low, the movements remain gentle and your puppy is free to release, pause or walk away.

Quick Answer

To play tug safely with your puppy:

Choose a long, soft and appropriately sized toy.
Invite your puppy to take it rather than pushing it into their face.
Move the toy gently from side to side at the puppy’s natural head height.
Avoid lifting, spinning or jerking your puppy.
Use a second toy or food trade to encourage release.
Pause immediately if teeth touch skin or clothing.
Keep sessions brief and stop before your puppy becomes exhausted or frantic.

Do not play if your puppy has a painful mouth, fractured tooth, neck or spinal pain, or has recently undergone surgery.

Is Tug Good for Puppies?

When played appropriately, tug can provide:

Social play with a caregiver
Mental and physical engagement
An outlet for grabbing and pulling
Practice releasing objects voluntarily
Reinforcement for recall and other trained behaviours
Redirection away from hands, clothing and furniture
Opportunities to learn when play starts and stops

Tug does not need to become a battle over who is in charge. Research examining dog-human play found that the outcome of tug games did not determine dominance within the relationship. Allowing a dog to win did not make them socially dominant. You can read the original tug-of-war study by Rooney and Bradshaw.

Does Tug Cause Aggression?

There is no good evidence that appropriately managed tug play causes aggression in otherwise suitable dogs.

Growling during tug can be part of normal play, especially when accompanied by:

A loose, wiggly body
Play bows
Relaxed facial muscles
Voluntary re-engagement
Brief pauses
Willingness to release or switch toys

However, tug may not be appropriate without professional guidance if your puppy:

Guards toys or stolen objects
Freezes when approached
Bites when someone reaches for a toy
Becomes intensely possessive
Redirects onto hands or clothing
Cannot disengage from the game
Has already caused an injury

Do not punish growling. Growling provides information about how the puppy feels. Stop the interaction calmly and seek help if you are unsure whether the behaviour is playful or defensive.

Choosing a Safe Tug Toy

A suitable puppy tug toy should be:

Long enough to keep teeth away from your hands
Soft enough for a developing mouth
Large enough that it cannot be swallowed
Comfortable for your puppy to grip
Free from hard or sharp attachments
Strong enough for supervised play
Easy for you to hold securely

Possible options include:

Soft fleece tugs
Puppy-safe fabric toys
Soft rubber tug toys
Long plush toys designed for interactive play

Avoid toys that are excessively hard, heavily weighted or small enough to lodge in the throat.

Veterinary dental advice commonly recommends avoiding hard objects that do not bend because they may fracture puppy or adult teeth. The VCA puppy teething guide provides additional advice about protecting developing teeth.

Are Rope Toys Safe?

Rope toys can be used for supervised interactive play if they remain intact. They should not be left with a puppy who chews and swallows fibres.

Inspect rope and fabric toys before every session. Discard them if you notice:

Fraying
Loose threads
Missing pieces
Damaged knots
Exposed filling
Torn handles
Significant contamination

Swallowed fibres or toy fragments can cause choking or intestinal obstruction. Any toy that is breaking apart should be removed, as recommended in this veterinary puppy toy safety guidance.

What You Need for the Two-Toy Tug Game

Prepare:

Two tug toys of similar value
A non-slip playing surface
Several small treats
A quiet area with room to move

The toys do not need to be identical, but your puppy should be interested in both.

A non-slip surface is important. Tugging on polished timber or tiles can make a puppy scramble for traction and place unnecessary strain on developing joints.

Step 1: Invite Your Puppy to Play

Hold the toy low and move it gently away from your puppy along the floor.

Movement away can encourage interest without pushing the toy into the puppy’s face.

When your puppy grips the toy:

Keep your hands away from their mouth.
Use gentle resistance.
Keep the toy close to their natural head height.
Let your arms move with the puppy.
Avoid sudden force.

You can introduce a cue such as “take it” immediately before presenting the toy.

Step 2: Use Gentle Tug Movements

Move the toy smoothly from side to side or backwards and forwards in line with your puppy’s body.

Avoid:

Snapping the neck from side to side
Pulling directly upwards
Lifting the puppy off the ground
Spinning the puppy
Dragging them across the floor
Shaking the toy violently
Forcing the mouth open
Pulling against a tooth caught awkwardly in the toy

Your puppy should maintain control of their footing and body position throughout the game.

Step 3: Let Your Puppy Win

After several seconds, relax your grip and allow your puppy to take the toy.

Winning can keep the activity enjoyable and does not make your puppy dominant.

Give your puppy a moment to hold, carry or shake the toy. Do not immediately chase them or snatch it back.

Step 4: Introduce the Second Toy

Pick up the second toy and make it move.

Keep the first toy still and animate the second one. When your puppy releases the first toy and takes the second:

Mark the release with “yes”.
Begin playing with the second toy.
Pick up the first toy when convenient.
Repeat the exchange.

The reward for releasing one toy is immediate access to another round of play.

This teaches your puppy that letting go does not mean losing everything.

Step 5: Add the “Drop” Cue

Do not begin by repeating “drop” while trying to pull the toy from your puppy’s mouth.

First establish the switching pattern. Once your puppy reliably releases the still toy to take the moving toy:

Stop moving the toy they are holding.
Say “drop” once.
Present or animate the second toy.
Mark the moment their mouth opens.
Restart play immediately.

Over time, pause briefly after saying “drop” before presenting the second toy. If your puppy releases, mark and restart the game.

Gradually, the cue itself begins to predict a rewarding exchange.

What If Your Puppy Will Not Drop the Toy?

Do not chase, corner or physically wrestle the toy away.

Try one of these options:

Use the Second Toy

Make the second toy more animated and interesting while keeping the first completely still.

Make a Food Trade

Present a suitable treat near your puppy’s nose. When they release the toy:

Mark the release.
Give the treat.
Return the toy or begin another round.

Whenever possible, let your puppy see that you are making an exchange. Repeatedly distracting them with scattered food and secretly removing valued objects can make some puppies suspicious about people approaching their possessions.

Lower the Excitement

Pause quietly and wait. Many puppies release when the toy stops moving.

If your puppy stiffens, freezes or growls defensively, stop reaching for the toy and seek professional assistance.

Teaching Safer Mouth Control

Tug can help teach your puppy where their teeth belong during play.

If teeth touch your skin or clothing:

Stop moving immediately.
Let the toy go if holding it would pull the puppy towards you.
Pause briefly and calmly.
Restart once your puppy is focused on the toy.

Avoid yelling, hitting, holding the muzzle closed or physically pinning the puppy.

Tug alone does not teach every aspect of bite inhibition, but it can help establish a clear rule: teeth on the toy keep play going, while teeth on people make the game pause.

How Long Should Tug Sessions Last?

Begin with several short rounds rather than one prolonged session.

For example:

Tug for five to ten seconds.
Allow your puppy to win.
Switch toys.
Repeat a few times.
Finish with an easy release.

Stop while your puppy can still think, respond and move comfortably.

The right duration depends on the puppy’s age, physical health and arousal level. There is no requirement to complete a fixed number of repetitions.

How to End the Game

Use a consistent cue such as:

“All done”
“Finished”
“That’s it”

Ask for a voluntary release, mark it and provide a small treat or calmer activity.

Put the tug toys away once the game has ended. This helps distinguish interactive toys from toys available for independent chewing.

Do not end every session by abruptly confiscating the toy. A predictable, rewarded finish helps maintain trust.

Signs Your Puppy Is Enjoying Tug

Healthy play may include:

A loose, bouncy body
Play bows
Returning voluntarily
Regripping the toy
Comfortable growling
Pausing and restarting
Taking breaks
Responding to familiar cues
Switching toys without tension

Your puppy should be able to disengage rather than appearing trapped in a frantic cycle.

Signs It Is Time to Pause

Stop or reduce the intensity if your puppy:

Becomes increasingly nippy
Repeatedly targets clothing or hands
Stops responding to easy cues
Begins mounting
Becomes frantic around the toy
Cannot pause
Starts slipping or falling
Shows a tense or frozen posture
Guards the toy
Appears tired or sore
Suddenly avoids gripping

High excitement does not necessarily mean your puppy needs more play. Sometimes it means they need sleep.

Tug During Teething

Puppies commonly have tender mouths while their adult teeth are erupting.

During this period:

Use softer toys.
Reduce pulling pressure.
Let the puppy control much of the movement.
Keep sessions brief.
Stop if they suddenly release or appear uncomfortable.
Check the toy for blood.
Avoid hard toys, antlers, bones and rigid nylon chews.

A small trace of blood can occasionally appear when a loose baby tooth is being shed, but persistent bleeding, facial swelling, reluctance to eat or an obviously fractured tooth requires veterinary assessment.

When Tug May Not Be Appropriate

Avoid tug or obtain veterinary guidance if your puppy has:

A fractured or painful tooth
Significant oral inflammation
A jaw injury
Neck or spinal pain
Orthopaedic pain
Recent dental treatment
Recent surgery
Neurological abnormalities
Difficulty maintaining balance
A medical restriction on activity

A sudden change in willingness to tug may be an early sign of pain rather than boredom or stubbornness.

When to Seek Veterinary Care

Arrange veterinary care if you notice:

A broken or discoloured tooth
Persistent oral bleeding
Facial swelling
Difficulty opening or closing the mouth
Crying when gripping the toy
Dropping food
Refusal to eat
Excessive drooling
Sudden neck pain
Limping or stiffness after play
Missing toy fragments
Vomiting or abdominal discomfort after possible toy ingestion

Seek urgent care for choking, breathing difficulty, collapse, severe bleeding, repeated unproductive vomiting or suspected intestinal obstruction.

Fractured teeth can expose sensitive tissues and require treatment even when the puppy continues eating. More information is available in this veterinary guide to fractured teeth.

Using Tug as a Training Reward

For puppies who value toys, a short tug session can reward:

Recall
Hand targeting
Eye contact
Waiting at a doorway
Moving away from a distraction
Returning a toy
Calm behaviour before play

Ask for a familiar, easy behaviour and then release your puppy to the toy.

Do not withhold the game until the puppy completes a long chain of difficult cues. Tug should remain enjoyable, not turn into an unpaid internship.

Reward-based training methods are supported by the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior.

Redirecting Inappropriate Chewing

Keep a suitable tug toy nearby during predictable high-energy periods.

If your puppy grabs clothing or furniture:

Stop moving the item where possible.
Present the tug toy.
Move the toy away invitingly.
Praise or begin play when your puppy takes it.
Prevent further access to the inappropriate item.

Management remains important. Tug cannot compensate for shoes, power cords and laundry being left within easy reach of a determined puppy.

Common Tug Mistakes

Pulling Too Hard

Puppies do not require strong resistance to enjoy the game.

Lifting the Puppy

Keep all four paws on the ground.

Using a Toy That Is Too Short

Short toys place hands unnecessarily close to teeth.

Chasing the Puppy for the Toy

This can turn stealing into an extremely entertaining game.

Forcing the Mouth Open

Use a voluntary exchange instead.

Punishing Growling

Assess the entire body and stop calmly if the behaviour concerns you.

Playing on Slippery Flooring

Move to carpet, grass or another non-slip surface.

Ignoring Toy Damage

Frayed fabric and missing pieces create ingestion risks.

Continuing Until the Puppy Is Frantic

End while your puppy can still respond and settle.

A Simple Two-Minute Tug Routine

Show toy A and say “take it”.
Tug gently for five to ten seconds.
Release the toy and let your puppy win.
Animate toy B.
Mark when your puppy drops toy A.
Tug with toy B.
Repeat several times.
Say “drop” and make a final rewarded exchange.
Finish with “all done”.
Offer water and an opportunity to rest.

Adapt the routine to your puppy rather than watching the clock rigidly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to let my puppy growl during tug?

Play growling can be normal when the puppy’s body remains loose and they continue to engage voluntarily. Stop if the body becomes stiff or the puppy guards the toy.

Will letting my puppy win make them dominant?

No. Research has not shown that winning tug games causes dogs to become dominant over people.

Can children play tug with a puppy?

Only with close adult supervision and a puppy who already shows safe toy skills. Children should not place their face near the puppy, wrap toys around their hands or attempt to remove a guarded toy.

Can I play tug every day?

Many healthy puppies can enjoy brief daily sessions. Frequency and intensity should suit the puppy’s age, mouth, body and ability to settle afterwards.

Is side-to-side tugging dangerous?

Smooth, low movements aligned with the puppy’s body are generally safer than violent shaking. Avoid abrupt neck twisting, lifting and spinning.

What if my puppy bites my hands?

Pause play calmly, use a longer toy and restart when the puppy targets the toy. Persistent or forceful biting may require guidance from a qualified reward-based trainer.

Should tug toys be left out all day?

Interactive tug toys are best stored between sessions, especially if they can fray or be swallowed. Provide separate toys designed for supervised or independent chewing.

Can I use tug to teach recall?

Yes. Call your puppy over a short distance and begin a tug game when they reach you. Do not use the cue if you cannot safely follow through or if the puppy is likely to ignore it.

Final Thoughts from Dr Duncan Houston

Tug is not about defeating your puppy or proving who is in charge. It is cooperative play with a few sensible rules.

Choose a soft, appropriately sized toy, keep movements gentle and teach your puppy that releasing makes the game continue. Watch their body language, protect their developing teeth and finish before excitement becomes chaos.

Done well, tug becomes more than a way to redirect puppy teeth. It becomes a shared language of play, trust and communication.

Get Personalised Puppy Training Support From ASK A VET™

Need help choosing a safer tug toy, teaching “drop” or managing puppy biting? ASK A VET™ can help you understand whether the problem is normal puppy behaviour, a training challenge or a possible medical concern.

Visit AskAVet.com or download the ASK A VET™ app to:

Get personalised puppy training guidance
Discuss teething and dental concerns
Learn how to manage mouthing and play biting
Identify possible resource guarding
Choose safer play and enrichment activities
Connect with veterinary professionals when an injury is suspected

Safe play builds better habits, stronger trust and a much happier puppy.

Know how they are, wherever they are

The ASK A VET™ Tracker logs live location and activity trends, so a change in routine never goes unnoticed.

View tracker

About the author

Dr Duncan Houston

Veterinarian · Founder of ASK A VET

Every ASK A VET article is written and reviewed by qualified veterinarians.

About Dr. Duncan →drduncanthevet

How to Play Tug Safely With a Puppy: Training, Teething and Toy Safety