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May 17, 2011

I have an 8-month old pup that I’ve done off-leash obedience with. Now I want to protection train her but she shows no interest. What should I do?

Full Question:
I have an 8 month old shepherd, his mothers side is german and east german. His dads side is some german and some american. I got him when he was 4 months, we have been doing basic obedience like heel , down , stay, ect. He took this really well and is ready to start the off leash side of the training. The problem is that during this time I didn't play with him as I should, and he doesn't like to play much or doesn't show much prey drive. He really doesn't care for a ball too much, he plays tug a war a little with a rope. I think he feels like when we go out together it is work and not play. I would like someday to try a little protection training if possible. I would appreciate any advice or insight you may have.



Thanks a Lot
I really enjoy your pages and knowledge
Kevin
Cindy
Cindy Cindy's Answer:
You have made a very common error with your dog. No puppy that is 4 months old should be subjected to as much obedience training as you have put this dog through. To accomplish what you have with your pup required a lot of corrections. You can not do off leash work with a puppy without corrections. When that happens this young you take the spirit out of the dog. If it had any drive to begin with, its now gone. Puppies that are 4 months old can be taught limited obedience exercises, but they must be motivational exercises (done for a food or toy reward and not because you force them to do it).The odds are that this dog is not going to rebound from this work. Most do not. You can try to correct your mistake by stopping all corrections and going to motivational training where you work on level 10 praise (see my video titled Basic Dog Obedience).



You can also make a serious effort to take this pup for walks on a Flexi Lead and let it regain some of its independence. With that comes a free mind and then possibly the interest in playing. This is an important ingredient for prey work.

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Expert Dog Trainer Cindy Rhodes
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