ok..so my puppy very much enjoys playing with the flirt poll, rag, and mini pup tug. will counter automatically if not full and gets fairly excited the second he sees the toys come out. Jumping and has barked once or twice (high pitch he's a gsd). Today he got pretty frustrated with me because it was potty time and not play time and he couldn't chase the neighbors cat while attatched to the line. although he tried and tried. he redirected on me. Jumped up and latched onto my sleeve (praise the Lord I had a coat on) and pretty much went nutso. twisting and shaking and trying to kill my arm. which did hurt quite a bit because upon his rebite he pierced my skin and bruised me. He is only 10 weeks and we are working hard at teaching him "no bite" when it comes to hands and ankels. we even went a whole day without any broken skin. But this just baffled me. This is my first working pup and I am trying my DARN BEST to be patient and redirect his focus on other things when he is being a turd. I also hope my first impression was correct and that it was just redirecting his frustration and prey drive on the closest thing possible. He has NEVER acted that intense on a tug or rag. should i hold off a looooong time to introduce him to a puppy sleeve or should i get one and carry it with me at all times lol

I think you can hold off on a puppy sleeve.... he's only 10 weeks old!!

Broken skin, ripped pants and shirts are just part of owning a 10wk old GSD pup, IMO. Try keeping a rag, tug, or some kind of toy on you at all times, rather then trying to teach him no bite at this age, just redirect him onto something that is OK to bite.



(saw you mention this post in another thread in general dog conversation, I don't think many people read this section too often, the resident puppy experts may not have noticed)

I put a serious stop to cat chasing at a very young age.

Until your pup is reliably ignoring the kitties, I wouldn't tug where he can see cats. At this point you want your pup focused on you, 100%. So I would try to find a controlled environment to train in.

Also, when tugging, you are going to get bit. Your pup is still learning about biting. When is it ok to bite? What am I allowed to bite? This early work is all about building focus, drive, and confidence. So at this age specifically, when you get out the tug you do not want to correct him for nailing you rather than the tug. Because your pup will start to hesitate. And then you'll have your work cut out for you building back up a nice full mouth bite.

I made this mistake early on with Dom because its hard to control your frustration when you are getting bit HARD a whole lot. But fingers are something you learn to live without when you got yourself a workin dog! Lol

Maybe Aaron will chime in- he's very knowledgeable with pups and bitework.

I am a terrible trainer and have no business giving any advice to any one with a working dog.
BUT, that being said, with my ACD pup there were times when he was so out of control, such an alligator, slinging his teeth and biting and growling and snapping in rapid succession, that he just had to have a little time out in his crate to settle down.
I also found that hysteria was reduced by stopping kibble and switching to the RMB diet.

 Quote: kelly byrd

I don't think many people read this section too often, the resident puppy experts may not have noticed)

I think the long-time folks turn to "Active Topics," where all new posts show.

Still, this really doesn't seem like a SchH thread. Moving the thread.

He's not being a turd Stephanie, he's being a dog.

Congrats on getting what you asked for. What now? Is that your question?

I prescribe gloves (nice thickly lined or insulated and make them leather), Carhart pants and jacket along with a barrel of patience. For those times you forget or don't have handy a tug, get used to wearing a give-away baseball cap (figure on having more than one or two), very good for a tug game, and always there.
Observe the pup closely in these tug games, you don't want to put him in defense at this stage of his life, leave that to someone else for timing that area.

Start getting smart on your marker training whether it's with a tug or food but get smart with it.

Oh yeah, and a barrel, no, a truck load of patience while you learn how bring the dog along.

If my dog isn't learning, I'm doing something wrong.
Randy

I promise a response this evening.

Carry a puppy sleeve all the time? No. And I would hold off on the sleeve until after she's done teething.

Carry a tug all the time? Definitely.

i got the carhart pants..hidden someplace but i'll pull them out. the hat idea was GREAT!
Lots of patience..check
and with tug i always play nice and gentle and keep a more submissive posture. I won't want him in defence for a looong time.. at least till the club says it's time.
well i did get what i asked for didn't i...marker training is top of my list. the puppy sleeve was more of a funny but i guess sarcasm isn't the easiest thing to express via typing But the hat trick will for sur ebe in my newly aquired arsenal of back ups.
I am so so so greatful for all the help this forum offers and advice from so many people. Thank you all very much for putting up with my so many questions. I know some of them may seem stupid..but i would rather look stupid and not ruin my puppy than have pride and not allow Ace to grow to his full extent.