Four Black Lab Puppies Pulled on One Rope in Four Directions

A thick rope lies across a gray rug, and four black Labrador Retriever puppies are crowded around it, each holding on. Their ears hang forward, their eyes are bright and their small paws splay for balance. A sofa with a tan blanket, a basket of laundry, a pair of sneakers and a plant make a homey backdrop.

Rope toys are a favorite for Labs, who like to carry and tug. They are good for exercise and chewing, and playing together teaches puppies about taking turns. When puppies tug, stay gentle: pulling too hard can strain young necks and teeth. Pull sideways and low instead of up, and teach a cue like "drop it" so that games always end calmly. Check the rope regularly, and throw it away if it frays, because swallowed fibers can cause blockages. Don't leave puppies alone with a rope toy. Labs have a lot of energy, so combine tug with fetch and training games to keep their minds busy. If a puppy starts growling or the game gets rough, take a break. Ask your vet if you have questions about toys and teething.

Four small pups pull in four different directions, and the rope stays right in the middle. Nobody wins, but everybody seems happy. The rope is damp and a bit frayed at the ends, and the afternoon is clearly going to be filled with growling, wagging and nonstop fun.