I remember the first time I played tug with my Golden puppy, Charlie. He was about ten weeks old, all fluff and needle-sharp teeth, and I'd read somewhere that tug-of-war would make him aggressive. So I avoided it completely. Instead, I tried longer walks, more fetch, endless chew toys—anything to burn off that nuclear-level puppy energy. Nothing worked. He was still mouthy, still destructive, still bouncing off the walls at 10 PM. Then one night, exhausted and frustrated, I grabbed an old rope toy and just... pulled. He lit up like I'd flipped a switch. For the first time all week, he was focused, engaged, and actually tired afterward. Turns out, I'd been avoiding one of the best tools in my toolbox because of outdated advice. Here's what I wish someone had told me from day one about playing tug safely with a Golden Retriever puppy. Table of Contents Can You Play Tug of War With a Golden Retriever Puppy? Why I Was Wrong About Tug (And What Changed My...