Well - for starters, it's a matter of the alpha thing. When I hold something - I don't want it ripped out of my hands by dog or human unless I hand it to them. It's mine until I relinquish it. I don't allow for begging or taking without permission. Unless one is a trainer extraordinaire, I wouldn't encourage the start of something that won't be quite as cute coming from a 150, muscular and easily overpowering canine as it is from a yipping, growling little puppy. <G>Originally posted by Luca's Dad:
I hear all kinds of pro's and cons for tug of war with your newfie? whats this all about. all my dogs alwyas loved tug of war.... I play it with Luca all the time its his favorite game.....Somebody please inlightne me....
Thanks
Rudy
. I belive most of the dogs love to tug - not all of them will chase the ball... It is in my opinion the best game you can play with your dog and it helps billding a bond between you and your dog. But I must confess that I never had any problems with the dominance, so maybe if there's a dominance issue with a certain dog this is not the best game to play. And to only use one toy is a good idea also. It's also imortant that a human is the one leading the game - when to start and stop playing.
, we learned not to play tug of war. In thier case it's because a golden is supposed to present you with their "fetchy" gently and easily. If they learn tug of war, it ruins their "soft mouth". 
