I am training a 15 months old male GSD, fairly dominent and about 100 pounds. I have been usingnothing, sometimes food ( taught in class) or his ball with a string, as a motivator. For example, I put him in front of me, make him sit, down, move back and tell him to come. He comes, sits in front, eyes on me and ball and as soon as he does what I want the ball is a reward. He does jump up and get the ball as soon as I say good dog and he know he did something right. I fling the ball around and he goes for it with his mouth to get it. I throw it and he retreives it and all this is a game to him. My husband is questioning if this is teaching him to "go for hands" in play. He says what the dog does to him is jump for his hands (with no ball) when he wants "attention" and is concerned working with the ball is teaching this. So my question is, Am I teaching him to jump up and grab something other then the ball? or are this another training issues. He never grabs for my hands, just the ball. But I definitly dont want to teach him something wrong. He is pushy and assertive and I am working really hard on obedience. Ed, if you read this, I do have your obedience video which has really helped me with corrections especially and I read the site all the time but didnt see this issue. Thanks for any and all opinions. I am not sensitive and appreciate being able to learn.
Cathie

I think this is a better place for your thread. No I do not feel that playing ball will teach your dog to bite at your hands without a ball. But it is up to you to make the rules of what is appropriate behavior.

The dog needs to learn that there are times for play and times for calm. If the dog is doing this for attention you need to put a stop to it. I agree with Vince when he says that playing with the ball dosen't teach this kind of behavior. Its all a matter of the dog learning that it is not acceptable to jump and go for the hand when you are not holding a ball.

Thanks for the correct location. I am just learning this site. The dog is not allowed to put his mouth on anyone for any reason. I think that requires firm correction. I dont want to be correcting one thing and using a training method that says its ok in his mind. (trying to think like a dog here) It seems the ball speeds up his response, gets his attention and he has fun learning as well. I could be wrong.

Thanks CHuck too, that is what I was thinking. I think I need to put his training collar and handle on him as people come and go from the house, thats when he gets excited, and make him sit/stay or down/stay so he knows its not his situation to control.

I also should add that even if you are holding a ball you may not find it desirable for your dog to be jumping up and almost taking your arm off to get the ball. Most here on this board find a ball crazed dog like that very desirable. For work or sport this is what people want but if you are talking about house manners, this can be a pain. My Golden Retriever is just a house pet so I had to tone down his ball crazed play behavior or else my 4 year old daughter may have lost her hand every time she picked up a ball. You have to determine what your intentions are for the dog and based on that decide what acceptable behavior is.

Yes, that makes sense. He is a pet and a high drive one at that. I have to exercise him several times a day and train 4-5 times a week. I want to make sure he knows the difference between a hand with a ball in it and just a hand.

Thank you for your responses and I appreciate your time.
Cathie

I also have a gsd that will jump for the ball in a very high prey drive when he is frastrated he will bite my body,hands or leg until i saw the video focus and grip following the tape and the advise from ED I put him in leash and prong collar now he is doing fine

Thank you! Dog isnt really frustrated, he is working for the ball reward. I do use a prong collar for training and have a leather handle (cant remember the name) from Ed. I will never use another leash either besides the ammish ones sold on this site.Only thing I have every used that doesnt hurt my hands.