Is there such thing as oversocialising a high nerve puppy will jeopardise/make it harder for the puppy to show defense?
Why I ask is because my female pup of 8 months is so high nerve that nothing seams to be a bother for her. She has prey drive but would not bark for play. Chases stray cats like Schumacher in ferarri. Respond to ball drive and retrive with 2 alternate balls.
Are there any connection between socialisation and defense? Thanks.
J. Cruiser
When the dog is confused, blame not the dog but shoot the handler.
John Haudenshield Webboard User Reg: 07-12-2001
Posts: 447
Loc: Virginia
Offline
As far as I'm concerned, there is no such thing as 'oversocializing' a puppy. The drives are either there or they are not. Positive normal interaction with various stimuli, allows a dog to become 'comfortable' with his/her drives and allows you to see the ability of the dog to cope/handle/deal with various situations.
For example; A pup/dog will invariably be startled by something in his life. His genetics, past experience and previous exposure will dictate his reaction.
A good dog with high fight drive will not 'lose his edge' as a result of proper socialization. IMO, it will actually improve the dog's ability to handle stress and anything that may come along. Keep in mind that socialization does not have to mean getting 'love, treats and affection' from every person he meets, quite the contrary.
Robert VanCamp Webboard User Reg: 11-28-2001
Posts: 3916
Loc:
Offline
I say the answer is NO.
Especially in light of the alternative, undersocialization.
I'd much rather work with the possible problems that come with over socialization than with the problems that come with undersocialization.
You can always teach them later that some people are not nice. You can always teach them later that all reward comes from you and you only. Those are easy things to work with.
You can hardly ever get a dog past issues of undersocialization.
Thanks John and Vancamp. I am of the same thinking as you two on this issue that there is no such thing as oversocialisation.
However just for academic discussion purpose. I had read in one of Ed's training article on high nerved dogs which suggested that high nerved dogs need to have their defense drive stimulated at a younger age otherwise they may be locked in prey. The main objective of socialisation is to increase it's confidence on surroundings and people. On a high nerved dog, they percieved nothing to be a threat to them. With this in mind can we say that socialising will increase the defense threshold making it even harder to bring out later.
What do you think? It sounds to me like logical but I'm no expert and would like to learn your comments.
J. Cruiser
When the dog is confused, blame not the dog but shoot the handler.
I don't think that the issue of defense threshold is increased because of socialization. My opinion has always been that socialization doesn't really affect thresholds. It is the experience of always winning with little direct threat that they see any action as just another prey "dodge" that they have no concern for. With really strong dogs the defense starts earlier if you want the dog to funtion in "higher", true aggressive drives.
If you can't be a Good Example,then You'll just have to Serve as a Horrible Warning. Catherine Aird.
Thanks Richard. I think you are right. Any suggestion by what age I should start the defensive work? Mine is currently 8 going to 9 months in another week and what method should I use to stimulate the defense?
J. Cruiser
When the dog is confused, blame not the dog but shoot the handler.
You shouldn't start using any form of defense training until the pup is strongly maturing, and that is not going to be happening until the dog is 1-2 years old. Most GSD's aren't going to be in a position to start this type of training until 1 1/2 years old. At this point I would continue to just use prey and when the pup stops with some of the prey behaviors introduce some civil work and some independant civil work where the dog is working with no support from the handler.
If you can't be a Good Example,then You'll just have to Serve as a Horrible Warning. Catherine Aird.
Thanks. I have a better idea of the process now. Ermm! When you mention "when the pup stops with some of the prey behaviors" what you actually mean? As I understands it once the prey comes in it can only be more intense as long as the frustrations is kept up. Do you mean to say that the prey can actually stop? Sorry this sounds like a dumb question. Please bear with greenie me. I'm learning more and more new things about GSD's and protection training every minute. Thanks to you and everyone on this board.
J. Cruiser
When the dog is confused, blame not the dog but shoot the handler.
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.
Top
Previous Topic
Index
Next Topic.jpg)
