Exercise and play
What are the rules for a safe game of tug?
Last updated 23 September 2026 · How we write and check this
Short answer
Use a soft toy, keep the motion mostly horizontal rather than yanking upward or side to side violently, require a sit or drop cue before the game restarts, and end the game immediately if teeth touch skin. These simple rules keep tug fun and physically safe for both the dog and the person holding the other end.
Toy choice and grip
A soft rope or fabric tug toy is gentler on teeth and jaws than a hard rubber or plastic one, and holding the toy low and steady rather than whipping it around reduces strain on the dog's neck.
Building in a clear start and stop
Asking for a sit before offering the toy, and a drop or leave it cue before restarting after a win, keeps the dog thinking rather than purely reacting, which is what prevents the game from becoming overexcited or unsafe.
Ending the game correctly
Stopping the moment teeth touch skin, even accidentally, and taking a short pause before resuming teaches a dog that gentle mouth control keeps the game going, which is a useful lesson well beyond the game itself.
Key takeaways
- A soft toy and mostly horizontal motion make tug physically safer for teeth and neck.
- Requiring a sit or drop cue before restarting keeps the game structured rather than chaotic.
- Pausing the game whenever teeth touch skin teaches useful bite inhibition alongside the fun.