Playing together gives your dog a chance to be active and spend time with you. Keep the game relaxed and allow breaks. When using a soft toy, stick to gentle, controlled play.
Choose a safe area
Choose a level, spacious area with a non-slip surface and no furniture or people in the way. Outdoors, check the ground and surroundings. Avoid throwing onto stairs, roads or places that require sharp turns.
Keep tug games gentle and the toy low
Leave space between your hand and your dog's mouth. Move the toy at a natural height without lifting the dog or making sudden upward pulls. Do not hold a delicate protruding part.
Let your dog win sometimes. Pause if they catch your hand, become overexcited or tear the toy. Reinforced seams do not mean a toy is suitable for forceful tugging.
Teach your dog to let go by offering a swap
Offer a treat or another toy. As your dog lets go, calmly say “give”, praise them and resume play when appropriate. If your dog stiffens or guards the toy, give them space and seek advice from a qualified trainer.
Start fetch with a short throw
Start with a short, low throw. Call your dog back and praise them for coming towards you, even if they leave the toy behind at first. Avoid chasing your dog when teaching them to bring the toy back. Keep repetitions short.
Finish before your dog tires
Slowing down, walking away or losing interest means it is time to pause. Adjust the game to suit a puppy’s or older dog’s abilities. Adults should supervise children around dogs; PuppyToys products are dog toys, not children's toys.
After outdoor play
Before coming indoors, check your dog’s paws and coat. To remove light surface dirt, you can use PuppyClean pet cleaning wipes, 33 wipes. Rinse very muddy paws or paws exposed to road salt with lukewarm water and towel dry. Always follow the product instructions.
Read how to clean your dog’s paws and coat after a walk →