Hello all. I have a general question. Does making a dog sit and wait for your 'OK' command before being able to eat or drink the water you put down in front of them help make them see that you are the pack leader, or is that just mean? Sheba is a Leerburg pup and I plan on training in PP. Thanks in advance for everyone's advice. Thanks.

-Flu

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Hello all. I have a general question. Does making a dog sit and wait for your 'OK' command before being able to eat or drink the water you put down in front of them help make them see that you are the pack leader, or is that just mean? Sheba is a Leerburg pup and I plan on training in PP. Thanks in advance for everyone's advice. Thanks....-Flu

Not mean! <img src="http://www.leerburg.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

It's a job to do to earn food.

Both my dogs have to wait for food after it is set on the floor. I vary the amount of time but seldom more than a minute or two. I keep water available at all times and never make them wait or do anything to access it.

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Both my dogs have to wait for food after it is set on the floor. I vary the amount of time but seldom more than a minute or two. I keep water available at all times and never make them wait or do anything to access it.

Oh, good catch! Of course water is always available all day.

Flu,
No it is not mean and I am sure it does help your pup/dog to see you as the pack leader, after all the pack leader determines each and every part of the packs life, from when they eat to when they sleep. So do not worry about being mean.
Is this your first dog with this type of drive?
This dog will need a firm hand and a good and strong pack leader, so you can not be soft.
You said you are planning on taking this dog through PPD type of training? Inform yourself with as much knowledge as you can, read, watch and study everything you can get your hands on. A PPD dog, is not a pet it is a TOOL, many think they want a PPD dog when they want a pet. A PPD dog brings in a whole new world for an owner of a dog, like will they always be with you when you travel and take vacations? Do you plan on boarding them at those times and the list goes on and on. Another factor that most do not consider is the on going training of a PPD type of dog, this is not a one time training and the dog is ready, it is an on going training that you have to maintain in order for it to stay at the highest levels.

Thanks again for the prompt response. I have done a lot of research and have every video i need from Ed. There is a LOT of info in those videos and i've gone thru each of them twice now. This is the first dog I plan on doing this training with. So far, i think everythings going well <img src="http://www.leerburg.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />
Maybe I should open a new post for this, but does anyone know of any good helpers in the NJ area?

Before every meal, my dogs have to sit & perform a 'watch me' command until I release them & tell them that they can eat. I only ask that they do this for 5 to 15 seconds which I feel is enough for them to know that I control when they eat. I also can place my hand in their food bowls while they are eating, but do not do it with any regularity, but I do not EVER take their food away. I don't feel that doing that serves any purposs, since a pack learder only controls when they eat (after he is finished)& then they are allowed to eat until full or food is gone. Water is always available to them whenever they want it. Other actions reinforce the pack leader status, by going thu doors & up & down stairs first. My dogs also sit before going out the door to the yard (without me) & before re-entering the the door to the house(again with out me) All of these actions speak volumne to the dogs. JMO

Jay, my ppd is my pet. Flu, if CT isn't to far for you c'mon up and meet our group, we're open to anyone as long as they like training and can check the ego at the door <img src="http://www.leerburg.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />, i'll pm you my number if you're interested, we have a leerburg dog in our group that has a lot of drive, either way good luck with your pup,
AL

And while you're at it, I would suggest you also do this:

Have your pup watch as you prepare its food (even if all you do is put the dog bowl on your kitchen counter & scoop dry kibble into it) -- Then before giving it to the pup, pretend to take a few handfuls of the food to your own mouth & "eat" it in front of your pup (this is called "gesture eating")...

After you've finished "eating" from the dog bowl, then feed the "left-overs" to your puppy in its crate or kennel -- your pup will NOT think this is cruel (it will think you're the Top Dog & it is an underling, which is the natural order of things in a dog pack)...

My dogs all accept this, with relaxed patience, as perfectly fair treatment & so will your puppy <:-)