Is this what I think it is?

[lisa907]

When Jackson plays tug with our 4 yo GSD Murphy, they make all sorts of growly and goofy sounds. It's really fun to listen to them. Most of the time Murphy just lays down and hangs onto the toy while Jackson tugs and shakes and hops around. But when Jackson brings me a toy to play tug, his ears are flat back against his head and he never makes a sound. He'll tug, but not like he does with Murphy.

Is that a sign of respect? If not, why the difference?

[Labradorks]

It's different because it's with you, not the other dog. Dogs play differently with different dogs. They play differently with different humans. If anything, the dog sounds like he's unsure about playing tug with you. He could feel intimidated or he could be pressure sensitive. The fact that he is bringing it to you to play is good and a sign that he'd like to play this game with you. If you want him to engage, you can try some different methods. One would be to face away from the dog, not face to face, and pull with one hand. Kinda pull him around. When you want the dog to release the toy, turn and face him, hold the toy with two hands against your body, be still as a tree and calmly give your command to drop it (which I feel like he will do right away). Once he's dropped it give it back, turn away and pull with one hand. Linus is pressure sensitive and will only tug in this manner. We're working on his pressure sensitivity, which I only care about for obedience work. However, it's good to know if your dog is pressure sensitive as it sometimes explains why they do the things they do.

[Tanya]

agree with the above. he's just "more into the game" when playing with the other dog. He's "just trying out the game" when he's playing with you. and there isn't anything wrong with that, you can keep it light or work to make the tugging more vigorous if you want.

[lisa907]

Thanks. He tugs pretty good -- at least that's what it feels like on my end. He just doesn't give me the growls or the crazy hopping around. I just love those big brown eyes looking up at me!