I've started drive building with my 5 month old male GSD. He's almost done teething. I've also JUST started (about two weeks ago) with the ball on a string. I attempt to do the Flinks-esque drive building and my boy doesn't do so hot. He just stares at the ball and will occasionally bite for it. So I tried more of a puppy approach. If the ball is being drug across the ground he'll chase after the ball so much that I can hardly keep it away from him once he gets going. But if all the action stops or I/the ball isn't animated enough, he'll just stare at it.
When all's said and done I want him to be crazy over this toy. I understand he may need to grow older but what kind of drive should I expect out of him at this stage in his life? <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />
Will Rambeau Moderator Reg: 01-25-2003
Posts: 5983
Loc: Idaho
Offline
Teething.....
Puppy:
"Mom, my mouth hurts. I'd chase the ball but it doesn't feel too good when I grab it"
Try the game again *after* he's done teething....
Always put yourself in the dog's place when you're trying to figure out a dog training question - it will often answer your question. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />
Originally posted by Traci Hunt: Thanks so much for clarifying that!
So no drive building at all? Zero?
Have I damaged him in any way doing this? you'll probably get different answers depending on who you talk to, but I'd say that you haven't done any damage. A few Malinois/French Ring type trainers that I've seenwork their dogs through teething as a way to find the strongest, but they also work the others who are more sensitive - they just don't tug when the dog bites the prey item and let him win.
My GSD pup was worked and he was sensitive, but he's come out of it. Not sure if he'd be stronger if we hadn't worked him, but he's biting very well now.
One thing to do is to frustrate the pup with the tug, get some obedience, and build his drive for the toy through teething without letting him get bites. Later when he's done teething, he'll hit it just that much harder.
Ed Frawley Administrator Reg: 07-11-2001
Posts: 2112
Loc:
Offline
I agree with Will - there are plenty of things that one can be working on during teething. Playing TUG is not one of them. Dont do it and bet on your dog being able to handle it. Thats a dangerous approach to puppy work.
I haven't tugged with him at all. I was working on building his drive towards the ball on a string. He also works VERY well with it when doing basic obedience. I can hardly get him to work for food anymore is why I was wondering about the ball on a string...should he have it at all while teething and should I do any drive building with him at all while teething? (Note: I don't let him ever have the toy while drivebuilding either so we don't tug or play with it a lot...I take it away and put it up once he drops it)
When purchasing any product from Leerburg Enterprises, Inc. it is understood
that any and all products sold by Leerburg Enterprises, Inc. are sold in Dunn
County Wisconsin, USA. Any and all legal action taken against Leerburg Enterprises,
Inc. concerning the purchase or use of these products must take place in Dunn
County, Wisconsin. If customers do not agree with this policy they should not
purchase Leerburg Ent. Inc. products.
Dog Training is never without risk of injury. Do not use any of the products
sold by Leerburg Enterprises, Inc. without consulting a local professional.
The training methods shown in the Leerburg Ent. Inc. DVD’s are meant
to be used with a local instructor or trainer. Leerburg Enterprises, Inc. cannot
be held responsible for accidents or injuries to humans and/or animals.
Copyright 2010 Leerburg® Enterprises, Inc. All rights reserved. All photos and content on leerburg.com are part of a registered copyright owned by Leerburg Enterprise, Inc.
By accessing any information within Leerburg.com, you agree to abide by the
Leerburg.com Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Top
Previous Topic
Index
Next Topic
.jpg)
