🐶 Tug-of-War With My Shih Tzu, Creamy: A Grandma’s Daily Joy 💕

Shih Tzu tug-of-war 🧶: safe playtime tips, bonding benefits, and why gentle tug games keep dogs happy and healthy. A grandma’s story of love and daily joy with her pup.

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When people ask me what keeps me smiling in my seventies, I don’t talk about big vacations or fancy hobbies. I talk about my little Shih Tzu, Creamy 🐾—and our playful tug-of-war games right in my living room.
I still remember the day I adopted him, and how his life—and mine—changed forever.

4 Things You Must Know Before Getting a Shih Tzu + Creamy’s Heartwarming Adoption

“Creamy with his favorite rope toy 🧶 — ready for tug time!”

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🎀 Why Tug-of-War Is Perfect for Shih Tzus

Some folks worry tugging makes dogs aggressive 😬—but experts say that, when done gently, it’s one of the best games you can play with your pup!
For small dogs like Shih Tzus, tug-of-war brings:
✨ Mental exercise – keeps their little minds sharp.
✨ Bonding time – nothing feels closer than holding the same toy together.
✨ Gentle workout – safe and fun exercise without tiring them out.
And research backs this up:

• The American Kennel Club notes that tug-of-war can improve impulse control, build confidence, and strengthen the bond between dog and owner (AKC).
• Trainers at Michigan Dog Training emphasize that tug provides not just play, but also training opportunities and behavioral improvement (Michigan Dog Training).
• Preventive Vet explains that tug does not cause aggression; instead, it teaches boundaries, rules, and helps boost a dog’s confidence (Preventive Vet).
• Companies like Nylabone and researchers at Kinship add that tug satisfies natural instincts, and dogs often feel calmer and more content after play (Nylabone, Kinship).

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🐕 How I Play Tug With Creamy

Our playtime is short and sweet:
1️⃣ I sit on the floor with a soft rope toy. 🧶
2️⃣ Creamy rushes over, tail wagging like crazy 🎉.

“Our living room battles — short, fun, and full of love 💕.”

3️⃣ We tug gently side-to-side (never up and down 🙅‍♀️).

“After tug time — my little king takes a well-deserved rest 👑💤.”

Experts recommend 10–15 second rounds ⏱️ with quick breaks in between. I ask Creamy to “drop it” or “sit,” then we start again. And yes—I let him win often 🏆. He struts around like the little king he is 👑.
As a dog mom, I’ve learned that health and play always go hand in hand.

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✅ Safety Tips for Happy Tug Games

💡 Use soft toys (rope or plush) to protect their teeth.
💡 Keep sessions short—5–10 minutes total is plenty.
💡 Teach the “drop it” command for safe play.
💡 Let them win sometimes—it boosts confidence 💪 and joy 😍.

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🌼 Why Tug Time With Creamy Keeps Me Young 💓

Life slows down as you grow older 🍂. But when Creamy grabs his toy with all his tiny might, I feel young again.
Tug-of-war may look like a small game, but for me, it’s daily therapy, love, and connection.
Of course, caring for Creamy isn’t always just about play—it also means watching over his health.
If you have a Shih Tzu (or any small dog 🐶), give tug-of-war a try. I promise it will bring smiles to your heart ❤️.