Didn't know exactly where to put this topic. I'm a newbie.
I've been told that my 5month old has high prey drive.
What does that mean? And what will that enable him to do?
This is my first GSD and I want him to get involved with some sort of activity that he will enjoy and be good at.
I was also told that he wouldn't be good for protection. Does that rule out a SchH title?
Or does that mean he wouldn't be suitable for police work?
Thanks for your replies
Kathy

Prey drive is predatory aggression. It is the natural, low stress, type of aggression that drives a dog to chase moving objects as if they are animals that it would have been hunting in the wild and bite them. This is great news for us because it transfers to a dog chasing a ball or toy, biting the decoy that is moving as if he were prey (i.e. running away), and the need to retrieve things that have been caught and "killed" (i.e. the ball). For most dogs this is play time stuff. Frisbee, fetch, catch, whatever.

If your dog has a level of prey drive then you are halfway to being able to compete in Schutzhund. But if someone has told you that the dog will not be able to do protection then you may be smart to get a second opinion from somebody that knows what they are doing. If the dog can't do protection then there are still options to compete in just tracking and obedience. Depends on the organization and the club.

What were the reasons given?

You should do some research for yourself as well, read Shutzhund: Theory and Training Methods by Susan Barwig and Stewart Hilliard. It is available at http://www.amazon.com. I think this is the most basic book about Schutzhund. It gives a great overview of the work and the type of dog necessary to do the work.

Good luck, welcome to a new world. What types of bloodlines does your dog come from?

I'll post his Pedigree so everyone can have a look.
I was of the opinion that Gus would not fight back or be soft when it came to corrections because he is a Wienerau.
That was a general opinion I was given by an experienced person without them actually seeing his pedigree.
They were just giving me an overview of what potential Gus may have. And I appreciate everyones opinions.
What I can tell you about Gus is that he has been retrieving since 7wks, plays a game with the vacuum and is not intimidated by any other dog. He has never licked another dogs face, yet he will not pounce on them.
I'm open to everyones opinions and what they think Gus will be able to do.
Thanks Everyone!
Kathy
Gus' Pedigree

Vancamp, that was very cerebral, I'm impressed. Still trying to figure the nail+ hammer thing out.

Karen, I have seen Jello Wienerau perfrom at the '94(?) seiger show in Manassas. Brutal honesty here...I did not think very much of him at all. I have also seen him "perform" a sch II protection routine. Same feelings. Beautiful and conformationally flawless save the height issue. Working wise, he was weak. There might have been something done to or with him where his progress might have been impeeded, who will know. Visit a schutzhund club to see if it is what you might want to do with him. I still stand by original opinion of there being prey drive to work with as it appears on paper. Obedience in drive and fairly aggressive games of tug of war would be fair indicators of some potential. The most drive related activity in Sch is the protection. Without the right drives in the proper proportions and levels, it will be a tough, uphill battle at the least. I would seriously consider purchasing "Bite Training Puppies". Look for common ground i.e. reactions. Consider getting an honest evaluation from a respected trainer. Without actually seeing Gus, this is all 100% hypothetical on anyone's behalf.

Cerebral, did you look that one up on dictionary.com Trooper? You would never guess that I have two BAs, and my own business would you? I guss eye's juss luuky dat wuay. . .Had olata elp wit dem damn extaminatshions n' stuf. . Hu hu hu. . . At leest eye's ain't no dum dam cop 'er som'thn. . . Hu hu hu. . .

lol. . . I kill myself. lol

Hammer+Nail+Head= Vince P. (Vince hits the nail on the head more often than most)

I'm gonna take a hit for that cop comment.lol

JUST KIDDING ALL YOU LEOs out there in Leerburg land.

Thanks guys!
I still have alot to learn about my Gus
And the SchH world too!!
So much to do!
Since I am a newbie I think I will explore the sites and purchase some info to see exactly what I'm getting into.
And again thanks for everyones honest opinion.
That's the only thing I want is Honesty!

Thanks
Kathy, not Karen it's K-A-T-H-Y

Karen, see what I mean about the friendly bantering?