lab/pitbull mix puppy playtime

Question
I have a 13 week old mixed yellow lab/pitbull female and my question concerns how to play with her during play time for her exercise.  We used to have a standard schnauzer that loved to play fetch and tug of war, but in his mature years he became a nipper of anyone who came near our kids.  So, since this pup is part pitbull, I wondered whether the game of having her chase the end of a rope and when she grabs it, playing tug of war with her is appropriate play.  She is well socialized with humans and dogs, having been raised by a foster human mother when her mother died.  The litter stayed together until 12 weeks when they were all adopted.  I don't know whether I am encouraging aggressive pitbull instincts by having her grab the end of the rope and hang on while I pretend to be trying to take it away.  She loves to chase and return the play toys which I also then play tug of war with her.  (PS--if you require followup info, please direct me as to how to do that since the last expert needed it and I had no way of following up with her questions.

thanks for your time.

bob

Answer
I don't see a problem with what you are doing.  You do want to take the rope at the end of the play time and keep it.  Otherwise, it will leave her confused about who is in charge.  It is very important that she understands you are.  The key to most behavior problems is approaching things using the dog's natural instincts. Dogs see all the people and dogs in the household as a pack with each having their own rank in the pack and a top dog. Life is much easier if the 2 legged pack members outrank the 4 legged ones. You can learn to play the role of top dog by reading some books or going to a good obedience class. A good obedience class or book is about you being top dog, not about rewarding standard commands with a treat. Start at http://www.dogsbestfriend.com/ For more on being top dog, see http://www.dogbreedinfo.com./topdogrules.htm

As for follow ups, I am not sure how you do them.  I would think this answer should have a follow up option.