May 10, 2011
My 17 month old dog bites the sleeve on the elbow all the time. What can I do?
Full Question:
Hello,I have several Videos you have made, and refer to them a lot for Schutzhund training I plan to get a Tracking video soon. My problem is.... My 19mth Rottweiler bites the elbow on the sleeve. I have tried the sleeve cover with the plastic on the elbow, tried standing in his way of the elbow (he goes around me), tried outing him and only slipping when he hits center. Have tried barrel sleeve also working on his bite. Maybe I haven't done one or all things long enough to establish a habit??? Please let me know your thoughts. I haven't found not 1 thing in all the books and videos I have, on this problem. The sleeve with the plastic didn't last but about 10-20 sessions he stripped the jute fast from pulling. If you like this sleeve maybe you can refer me to a supplier of really good sleeves. He also drops and chews I have a hard time trying to hold his head up when I do he just drops the sleeve. I feel that the helper we have at the club Defenses him too much. And have sorta decided to take him back to the puppy sleeve and do a lot of prey work (My husband and I train police dogs so he works him for me through the week) and work on the hold and carry a lot. Also when you slip the sleeve (trial sleeve) he will (while doing the carry routine) mouth it getting it to the elbow.
Thank you,
Angie
Cindy's Answer:
When a dog does this its usually (99% of the time) an issue of avoidance to the helper.
You can have your helper wear two sleeves so the dog has to sit in front of him to take a bite. The bite comes from the helper swinging one of the arms up over his head and presenting the arm in front of him - this needs to be lighting fast when he does it - the dog never knows what sleeve is going to come so he can't sit to one side or the other.
If it were my dog I would back his training up to work with prey items. He needs to grip them firmly and learn to work and trust you. This is a problem with your dog now. He lacks trust and confidence - he has been worked in too much defense. He is uncertain of his ability to fight the helper.
When a dog can grip a prey item with a firm solid grip he will bite the sleeve with a firm grip. I am editing a video on training drive focus and grip with Bernard Flinks right now. Get that video when its done - it will solve the foundational part of your problem. Teaching your helpers will solve the second half.
You can have your helper wear two sleeves so the dog has to sit in front of him to take a bite. The bite comes from the helper swinging one of the arms up over his head and presenting the arm in front of him - this needs to be lighting fast when he does it - the dog never knows what sleeve is going to come so he can't sit to one side or the other.
If it were my dog I would back his training up to work with prey items. He needs to grip them firmly and learn to work and trust you. This is a problem with your dog now. He lacks trust and confidence - he has been worked in too much defense. He is uncertain of his ability to fight the helper.
When a dog can grip a prey item with a firm solid grip he will bite the sleeve with a firm grip. I am editing a video on training drive focus and grip with Bernard Flinks right now. Get that video when its done - it will solve the foundational part of your problem. Teaching your helpers will solve the second half.
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