Rate Member posted 07-23-2002 06:32 AM
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hi folks,

i rarely post, mostly enjoy all the great info here - so here are two questions i have. a 10wk old pup that i am doing bite imprinting with who is a little alligator, do we just let her hang from our legs/ankles (ouch!!) which she will do endlessly - i did try redirecting the behavior by opening her mouth and giving her something else to bite but preydrive and moving legs win - i REALLY do not want to screw up any future bite work if she turns out to be a good schutzhund prospect (our first) - other persistant dogs i have trained in the past(depending on the temperament)i would give a little scruff shake to and it would be over - these were dogs not intended to do any bite work. so what do you guys do? my second question - i have the bite training for puppies video and was also wondering about "the special training" mentioned for pups who whine while biting - this pup only seems to do this with certain items (soft piece of leather) and not the jute so i have been only using the jute which she will either bite full to begin with most of the time and also counters if not a full grip and then will carry it around for quite a long time. is the whining with the other items insecurity - even though she is not whining with the jute, what would i do if a puppy was whining with all tug/bite items - i am guessing some type of calming excersizes? sorry to be so long winded.
thanks

First off, don't worry so much. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> It will be ok.

I am not a fan of "opening" a pups mouth to remove it from arms or legs. If you stop moving your body and switch to a fast moving toy the pup will usually go for the more interesting object. You just need the toys to be more interesting than you.

The thing that I can tell you carry toys with you while in the house. So when the puppy starts to attack your legs out of prey you dont correct the dog and risking a bad imprint towards bite training. As far as growling I think that is a misconception. I dont think that it is a sign for bad nerves or anything like that. You have to remember not all dogs are the same. My Dutch Shep growls while on the bite but has a full grips and doesnt thrash, so just because he growls does that mean he has bad nerves? I think not, the best thing I would tell you to do is introduce the puppy to many thing while it is young and keep working on grips. Ecspecially if you want to do schutzhund. I wouldnt worry about the growling it may go away. Hope this helps!

Austin

When a puppy thrashs or uses it legs to win the prey item, is this a lack of confidence in it's grip? Or a puppy that has learned these things win instead of a strong grip? Any tips to stop thrashing, using legs?
Example puppy(7 months here) thrashes, uses legs to take tug versus a counter and deeper grip?
Thanks.

Work your dog at the end of the back tie and with more control of the tug to eliminate the option for using his paws. Do this as you work the counter.

What exactly is thrashing? Give a very clear description.

Puppy throwing head side to side while tugging to win item. But no growling or aggression, just drive to get prey item. And with a firm grip. No snapping. Just grip and head side to side. Thanks.

That's funny, most of the trainers I have come across doign Sch try to discourage the kill instinct of the head thrashing, and just create a study pull instead. I for one happen to like the head thrashing natural "break neck/back" instinct, it is much harder on the decoy to keep ballance thus making the dog look really strong and full of fight to me. My dog does not thrash like that but I wish he did. I would gladly take a few points off for a good thrashin!

So this behavior is ok? I would lose points in SchH trial though. Thsnks.

Rickey,

In a puppy I wouldn't worry about it. When the pup gets older you can get control over it. At this point if you attempt to stop that you may reduce the dogs drive for the bite work.

 Quote:

Originally posted by Richard Cannon:
Rickey,

In a puppy I wouldn't worry about it. When the pup gets older you can get control over it. At this point if you attempt to stop that you may reduce the dogs drive for the bite work.

I have to agree with Richard on this. There is a first. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

ANy attemts to gain control over this now could be counter-productive.