Hi everyone,
I would love to hear from anyone who would like to help me with a husband and wife conflict. Isn't this forum for marriage counseling too? <img src="http://www.leerburg.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" />

I have had a good amount of experience with all types of dogs so I'm used to all the phases a puppy goes through to become a socially acceptable dog. However, my wonderful husband is new to the dog world and he is having a tough time with our new Doberman. She is 6 months old and being prepared for Schutzhund training. I've been doing only basic bite/drive work and have left the hard core obedience for later.

I won't go into all the containment, exercise, and handeling details but I make sure she doesn't get into trouble or pick up bad habits.

My problems is that my husband is amazed at her prey drive and constant energy. He's afraid she is a monster but I try to tell him she is actually very good and is going through her normal teenage years. It's all part of the fun especially with a high drive youngster. I think if he heard it from others with puppy experience, it would help. Do you have any words of encouragement for him?

I hope I explained this clearly. Thanks everyone!
Lynn Ballard

Buy this DVD, and watch it with your husband <:-)

http://www.leerburg.com/101e.htm

Thanks Candi, we already have that DVD so maybe another romantic evening watching it again?? I think if he hears it from someone else it helps.

well, FWIW, i happen to have a 6-mo GSD, with high drives also. he's always ready to "go", he loves to bite anything, he loves to *fetch* anything, and, like your dobie, he's being prepared for Sch. so nothing more than basic, motivational OB, and basic good manners.

i love that he jumps on me; my kids/strangers during socialization, don't. so kids/strangers, we say "no". i also love (kinda) that he bites me--he's only corrected when it really hurts. also, when he's into biting ME, that simply means he's in drive, and i've screwed up by not having an appropriate outlet for him (his tug or what ever). but again--the kids are off limits. he's never tried to bite a stranger when we're in town goofing off. though he did grab one of those big 4' wide dust mops once when it was going down a hall... <img src="http://www.leerburg.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

so--always try to have an alternate tug/toy, and keep encouraging her to "get 'er done"--i love these youngsters!