siberian husky at play

Question
We have recently acquired a 2 month old male Siberian Husky.  Naturally he loves to play and his favourite game is tug-o-war with an old woollen hat stuffed with a scarf.
Someone has told me that I shouldn't play this type of game with a Husky (in particular) as the dog is challenging my authority.  I would have thought that if this is true it would be applicable to all breeds (?).  He really loves this game and I don't want to stop unless it is encouraging bad behaviour for the future.  Would appreciate your advice please.  Thankyou.

Answer
Congratulations on your new puppy.  Whoever told you that tug-o-war can be a detrimental game to play was correct, but you are also right in that it is not a breed specific problem.  The only reason that I would argue that it is bad to play this game with a Siberian in particular is that they are a notoriously stubborn and disobedient breed.

With that being said, there are easy ways around the problems that playing tug-o-war can present.  First, understand that tug-o-war is a game of possession, and the dog, while seeming to enjoy the play of it, is also playing to win.  And the problem is in letting the dog win and the dog then beginning to think that he can forcibly take things from you, and not let you have things back from him.  This type of play can also encourage aggression, and I don't necessarily recommend it as a routine play at a very early age.

However, there are a few things you can do to help, and the solution is relatively simple:

1) You decide the parameters of play.  When it's over, you take the toy.  When it begins, you make the dog earn the play somehow.  Play can be a reward for training (even a simple sit can be the marker), or a good walk.  Anything as long as it is clear that play time has been earned.

2) Play should be able to be stopped in mid-tug.  While I'm not a fan of treat-based training, this is one instance where it can be good.  Right in the middle of the tug-o-war, especially when growling gets going, have a command to stop.  Actually, I like to use "Kisses!" as the command, and the stick my face in the dog's face for a few licks.  You don't want the dog to get aggressive with the game.  A treat can sometimes help refocus the dog to the non-aggressive activity, and it usually calms the mood down.  Once the mood is brought down, you can have fun getting the dog worked back up in the tug-o-war.  But what you are doing is showing the dog that it has to be willing to give you the item back, and it gets a reward, but you are in charge.

3) Make sure to work in obedience training starting early (10 weeks old is fine to begin) and reinforce that for everything.  Before play, feeding, walks, etc. - everything involves some sort of obedience (even just a sit is fine) before a reward is given (food, walks, petting, praise, toys, games, or a treat).

The combination of those three things should be enough to curb any problems that the game might cause.  Tug-o-war has it's place, and in fact a lot of working dogs (police dogs, etc.) use this game as a reward.  For those dogs, it is sort of a way to release aggression and dominance against an inanimate object.  The handler is responsible for setting the parameters, and it's a great reward for dogs who enjoy it.  Just keep in mind, that you are in charge.  If that is maintained, it shouldn't present any problems.

Hope that helps and if you need some additional information or have other questions, feel free to ask.