Big & Little: Havanese Play
Tuesday, January 13, 2009 at 2:32PM 
It doesn't matter if you are big or little. Tug toy playing is absolutely fun. It doesn't create aggressiveness if taught as a game and learning tool. How can it be a learning tool? Practice 'out' or 'leave it' and always end the game if the rules are not adhered to.
When you teach the rules and are consistent, they learn to play with others, including big dogs fairly. Of course you have to be sure you teach your big dog what fair play is all about as well.
Terra can easily grab hold of this toy and shake Treasure across the room without trying but she knows about fair play and how the game would end if she wasn't gentle. Putting the gentle into it doesn't mean you ruin the fun but rather you are teaching your dog fair play and rules and what happens when each is not followed.
Here you thought its just a game of playing tug but it's so much more.
Think of game playing as an avenue to teach and you will both be better off for it.
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