July 01, 2014

I want to get into Schutzhund with my new pup and I have kids, will this training make my dog mean?

Full Question:
I have two questions. I have trained and field trailed bird dogs since being a young boy. I now would like to get into Schutzhund. I am concerned because I have kids and did not know if this makes a dog mean to where it would bite or if they just do it on command as part of the game.

The second question is that I have an eight week old shepherd. I just finished watching the ME video of training with food. Can you tell me which videos I need to do next and do I need the tug video if I get the foundation of bite work video?
Cindy
Cindy Cindy's Answer:
Here is a video I found on our site using the search term "family dog."

If done properly, training a dog for Schutzhund (now called IPO) or any other sport should not affect the dog's ability to be a good family dog. It's a sport, like a martial arts competition for dogs.

For puppies, I follow these videos at first:
  1. The Power of Training with Food (which you already have viewed)
  2. The Foundation of Puppy Bitework
  3. Training the Recall
Once the pup is done teething:
  1. The Power of Playing Tug
  2. Teaching Protection Skills without a Decoy
  3. Focused Heeling
  4. Training the Retrieve with Michael Ellis
  5. Training the Jumps
  6. Training the Send Away
I'd also recommend Competition Tracking (that can start now)

I hope this helps.
Cindy Rhodes

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Expert Dog Trainer Cindy Rhodes
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