I am a bit confused compared to what I was told by others for Schutzhund Sport Dog. I was told don't control the young dog until it is 1 year old because it will suppress the drive.

There’s nothing wrong with establishing rules for a puppy or young dog. If you do this properly through controlling the environment and using a leash and crate or redirecting the puppy for behavior you don’t want it’s not a problem.

If your puppy has drive, then asking for rules isn’t going to diminish that. I raise extremely high drive dogs in the house and raise them for biting sports. With that said, I don’t allow them to be heathens and do as they wish. It’s an old school idea that you allow puppies to do whatever they want or you’ll kill their drive. I don’t agree with it.

If you watch some videos of my young dog (now 18 months) you’ll see a puppy with oodles of drive but a pup that has respect for the rules of engagement. I control just about everything concerning my puppies to set our relationship up for success.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wOue4nJEQmw&feature=channel_page

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qq0KZJLE0LM&feature=channel_page

We are in the process of editing a series of videos with Michael Ellis, showing how to use food and use play in bringing along a young dog. when they are finished I believe they will help a lot of people raise really nice working dogs.

I hope this helps.

Cindy