Does playing tug promote obedience when used as a training tool or aggressive behavior?
Answer. I read a lot of information on the net, in books, in leaflets, and could not come to a conclusive answer on this question. Some articles claimed that it promoted obedience while others claimed it made the dog more aggressive. Which is correct? At this point, I honestly do not know. A number of Staffordshire Bull Terrier breeders advised me that playing tug is a natural outlet for their prey drive and can be a useful training tool. Another expert advised me that she had played tug with the bull and terrier breeds for over 25 years and to no ill-effect. I tend to believe this is true as I have taken to playing tug with Saffy on an almost daily basis with no obvious temperament change, she absolutely loves it and is her usual self at all other times. In general, I understand, if you are going to play tug you must win the tug match most of time. This instills the notion that you are mentally and physically stronger in the pack order and reinforces that you are the ‘leader’ of the p
