After losing two young American-bred dogs to hip dysplasia I left dogs. I missed the breed, kept reading and visiting forums, and decided German/European bloodlines was the logical option moving forward.

I'll fast forward 10 years to this past weekend, when I purchased a three-year old DDR/Czech Grim z Pohraniční stráže grandaughter, sired by Dar Bily Trpaslik.

Her breeder had purchased her back when circumstances in the pet home she was in changed. At the kennel I learned she had no training at all, but when she found a ball and brought it to me, I remembered what I'd read about the trainability of dogs with strong ball or prey drives. Her temperament and conformation were good so I bought her.

The ball made the training I've had a chance to do in two days a dream. She can now sit, down, stay and recall with hand signals, and her long stays are, to this point, rock solid.

My question is; when you have a dog with high ball drive, is there a formal transition when you're done training and/or playing? It seems anti-climatic and and a tad abrupt to walk away when she brings the ball back so dutifully.

Thanks very much,

Gary



Edited by Gary Fujioka Sr. (01/06/2009 01:51 AM)
Edit reason: Add photo

I say "game over" for both fun and training. Stop when you leave them wanting more.

We are related! I have a Dar grand-daughter, my own Princess Weasel. Her sire is owned by Will of this board.

Just being nosey, but what's the kennel name of your girl?

Nice looking dog! High drive makes the training easier. When i'm done showing the dog what i want and we're finished, i throw the ball or play with the tug for a little while.I might not be the best source of info though, i play a lot with my dogs, tons of play with some training mixed in there, lol. Sounds like you have a nice girl and lack of training is a bonus, now all mistakes will be yours and you can learn faster, Good luck with her!

 Quote:

is there a formal transition when you're done training and/or playing?

Sure. Hold the dog by the collar, kick the ball around and say "neh neh you can't have it" and stick em in the crate to think about the training session.

 Quote: mike j schoonbrood

 Quote:

is there a formal transition when you're done training and/or playing?

Sure. Hold the dog by the collar, kick the ball around and say "neh neh you can't have it" and stick em in the crate to think about the training session.

Beautiful dog, Gary! Welcome to the forum.

Welcome to the board Gary, she is a beautiful girl!


Mike, you made me snort hot coffee up my nose.

 Quote: mike j schoonbrood

Sure. Hold the dog by the collar, kick the ball around and say "neh neh you can't have it" and stick em in the crate to think about the training session.

Seriously? Ed says in one of his videos that it's unfair pack leadership to tease the dog like that. He said you should do a slight of hand with some food to make the toy "go away." Do I have it wrong?

Were you kidding about asking Mike if he's serious?

Well, I have to admit I'm not very socially astute when it comes to reading stuff online. So, yes, I'm serious, but I guess I can infer that to mean that, no, Mike's not serious.

Well, it's tough with him, because Mike does tend to say "neh neh, you can't have it" and other elementary school playground phrases a lot. But "leave the dog wanting more" .. that's for real.