In the 6+ months I've had my puppy, I've haphazardly stumbled on something resembling the Flinks drive building game. I'm seeing a drive which is sufficient to the do the obedience for which I've hitherto used food.
However, today on a whim I broke off a willow branch, and used it as a flirt pole.
The prey/toy drive I would have considered medium and sufficient with his usual toy of choice (the flying squirell), was now off-the-wall, tunnel-vision, demonic, psycho-drive.
I was kind of in awe. I said to myself: "Where the $#^& did THAT come from?"
And more importantly: "How do I get him to do this reliably with a more orthodox toy?"
Now, he's going on 7 months, and I'd say his toy interest has been on a slow steady increase since 8 weeks. Is the "psycho drive" a potential I can expect to tap with time and proper development? Is this his ACCESSIBLE genetic potential I saw? Or is this phenomenon the kinda thing which only novel stimuli sets off?
Get a buggy whip or lunge whip (from a tack store or farm supply) Tie your prey item (tug, ball on a string, etc...) on the end and commence to drive building.
Pretty soon you can take the toy off the whip (flirt pole) and the drive for the item should remain IF you do your job correctly.
I think the problem isn't the dog's drive, it's that maybe you couldn't act 'bunny-like' enough for him to show you his ablility.
I see this time after time with dogs and pups, the game needs to be more challenging for some dogs, to WAKE them up. You are seeing the genetic potential in your dog and now that you have seen it, your job is to build that up.
I think getting the toy away from the handler is also important for some dogs, they can then focus on the game. Most new handlers move their feet and body way too much when trying to make drive, and this can distract the pup from the object just enough to dilute the drive. Just my experience, <img src="http://www.leerburg.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />
Steve,
do not feel to bad for not knowing what a tack store is. A tack store is where you would generally buy things for horse.. food, bridle, saddle and the like. Yes being a Texan and having a few horses in my past helps there.
Jay
When purchasing any product from Leerburg Enterprises, Inc. it is understood
that any and all products sold by Leerburg Enterprises, Inc. are sold in Dunn
County Wisconsin, USA. Any and all legal action taken against Leerburg Enterprises,
Inc. concerning the purchase or use of these products must take place in Dunn
County, Wisconsin. If customers do not agree with this policy they should not
purchase Leerburg Ent. Inc. products.
Dog Training is never without risk of injury. Do not use any of the products
sold by Leerburg Enterprises, Inc. without consulting a local professional.
The training methods shown in the Leerburg Ent. Inc. DVD’s are meant
to be used with a local instructor or trainer. Leerburg Enterprises, Inc. cannot
be held responsible for accidents or injuries to humans and/or animals.
Copyright 2010 Leerburg® Enterprises, Inc. All rights reserved. All photos and content on leerburg.com are part of a registered copyright owned by Leerburg Enterprise, Inc.
By accessing any information within Leerburg.com, you agree to abide by the
Leerburg.com Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Genetic drive potential
#114573 - 09/26/2006 08:28 AM 
Top
Previous Topic
Index
Next Topic
.jpg)
