hello, I think there are quite a few factors which come into play(pun intended) when discussing the idea of wrestling with a dog. Most(not all) trainers that I have been in contact with seem to feel that wrestling with a dog is not a positive thing and should not be done ever. I agree with that sentiment to an extent. For example if you are using physical wrestling with your dog in order to assert control you have already lost that battle. You should be able to "lead" your dog and be the dominant member of the household "pack" without resorting to a physical display by actually BEING the leader. It is important to be able to control your dog this way because you cannot always have physical control over your dog due to your proximity or if the dog is off leash. At that point you need to be able to control the dog verbally. Additionally, I think it can damage the relationship between you and your dog if you are regularly attempting to force an "Alpha roll" and assert dominance. I think you run the risk of teaching your dog to fear you more than respect you as the leader. By being the leader I mean to say you are consistent in your rules and decision making and as well as things like eating first and being first through a doorway. My wife and I also do not let our Ovcharka on the furniture and especially no sleeping in the bed as this represents the higher members of the packs priveleged sleeping area. We also do not let the dog demand play or treats, we are the ones who intiate and end play, those things are the leaders decision to make. As far as wrestling as play I honestly think this depends on the dog, I have owned dogs who I could play rough and wrestle with and it did not get out of control or translate into any poor behavior in other areas. But clearly there are dogs (or humans) for who the rough play gets out of hand and a line is crossed. I am still undecided on this issue of wrestling as play, but with my current dog we do not wrestle, although we do play tug of war which is frowned on by some trainers and behaviorists so go figure. Sorry for rambling, my wife tells me I have tendency to do this. :D Chris