Hello everyone. I have a 6 month old puppy (working-line german shepherd) that has a problem. First, let met say that it's like I have two different dogs. Normally, my pup is very affectionate, submissive, and obedient. But when I put my pup into a high-level of drive (ala drive and focus DVD, especially tugging games), he becomes a maniac.

I know I have probably done too much with this pup. First I started with simple, 100% fun tugging. Then I moved to gently stroking and petting the dog with my hand, sticks, pillows, etc while tugging. Then I moved to erratic movements and patting on the sides while tugging. What I noticed is that if I pat my dog on the side while tugging he growls and doubles his efforts to win the toy.

Then tonight I was sitting on the couch, playing tug with a new toy. He didn't have a solid grip and I got the toy from him. He then was jumping all over me, and I pushed him away with my free hand. He bit my arm. Didn't break skin, and didn't really hurt much, but it's the first time he's done that. Here's my questions:

1. Am I moving too far too fast with this pup considering he is only 6 months old?

2. Is it normal for dogs to get so focused/crazed on the prey object that it is hard for them to exercise self-control?

3. Could the bite be due to a simple "oops, sorry I wasn't thinking" by the dog, or is it possible that it was more "touch me when I'm after my toy and you'll pay" disrespect?

4. Has anyone else experienced this situation? Will he become handler aggressive?!?

You sound like you have a very normal high drive puppy. My dog gets all growly and pulls harder whenever I start thumping on him while playing tuggy.

The fact that your puppy gets so focused on his ball is a good thing and shouldn't be discouraged. You will see a lot of people with cuts and bruises on their hands from their dogs missing the tug or ball and getting them instead. This isn't handler aggression, this is ball drive and is a good thing.

As long as your puppy is a happy, well behaved little guy when not in drive, you are in good shape.

The most handler-soft dog I have ever met does this exactly. Don't worry just yet!

interesting,sounds like my dutch shepherd,she used to go nuts with a toy,still does it but now more under control.some people told me very high drives.

she no longer has toys, she picks up sticks and i throw them,but not until she drops them on command, i throw it and release her after.she is now 2 1/2 yrs old.i do this just so she gets excersise.

i got her a lot more stable at 1 1/2 year still more work to do but always improving.
went thru, and still do, obedience / agility excersises with her.

the key is good communication, consistency,and firm corrections.
as a reward, just praise. dogs dont need toys.
food is not reward.
i had very good success this way, hardly need any prong corrections, just voice.
as a handler you have to show confidence,remain calm and relaxed. if not, the dog will pick up on that.i found that out,and still do several times.
i still have to improve in that area

she behaves well around people and other dogs.
when she was younger,she showed lots of aggression to some other dogs, people not bad.
and was many times uncontrollable.( leash pulling,leash biting,trying to chase cars...)
good solid bond between dog and handler is the key.

good luck

 Quote: robin hornstra

the key is good communication, consistency,and firm corrections.
as a reward, just praise. dogs dont need toys.
food is not reward.

So do you do any drive work? Or is a dog strictly suppose to work for praise, no reward other than your approval?

 Quote: robin hornstra

the key is good communication, consistency,and firm corrections.
as a reward, just praise. dogs dont need toys.
food is not reward.
i had very good success this way, hardly need any prong corrections, just voice.

Bad advice Robin. You may have a dog who will work just for praise but that doesn't mean you have to take away toys and treats and whatever else the dog enjoys. Or that other dogs will work for the same thing. My lab Einstein would work quite happily for praise alone but I used a ball to increase his motivation and focus. Food is DEFINITELY a reward to the dog. Part of training is to get the dog to enjoy working with you. You might find reading the articles on this site to be a big help. Specifically this one http://leerburg.com/pdf/theoryofmotivation.pdf

HI
I found this thread by searching and I have questions also. I have a very nice puppy 8 almost 9 weeks old. I got him at 8 weeks and started him in imprinting the best I can. I have the "focus" video and have order the puppy video. He was a 9 in prey
in puppy test. He retrieves, he comes, and he has high prey. He's crate trained and
when free will go to the door to go out. I can't fault anything until tonight. He was running all over the house and biting my pant leg (no problem just do bait and switch) but I got the notion that I should put him in a "relax" or "down" position...that didn't go over too well (mind you I am a trainer for all of my life)...of course I can "do the down" and do it without a problem but my question is this...
if I might do Schutzhund with this pup, would a long down or "relax" take away from his being as focused on the prey? I don't know ... maybe the 8 weeks to ? video will help.

drive work?, not sure.
the method i have been tought works very well, the result is an obedient stable dog around other people and dogs.
i currently train in agility style obedience protection and tracking.its going very well.
i am not an experienced handler, but just saying what works for me.

what is the method?
thanks for your reply.

I think she is referring to only using praise to train her dogs, and not using toys or treats as rewards.