The more I read, the more questions I have.

With bite training puppies...
Is there such a thing as too firm a grip on the prey item. IE: Ball on a string?
(will be ordering Ed's video shortly).

From what I've read so far, our 12 week old pup is developing good strong prey drive. He'll chase, and grab hold of his ball on a string or any other toy all day long if I was to let him. It's the first thing wants to do when he wakes up from a nap..till he's ready for a nap.
He's also very quick and able to grab his prey item when it moves at fairly high speeds. When he has it , it does appear to be a full grip and he hangs on for dear life. There is alot of pressure in his grip. (I know because he has mistaken my quick moving bare arm for toy a few times and I have puncture scars!!)....

Anyways, is that bad? If so, how can I begin motivational play to soften the grip?

BTW, I've only started the "exchange one toy for another" when he brings back a toy with retrieve games. He's getting more difficult to coax to exhange. I suspect from reading I should soon begin "out". I would like first to deal with the grip issue ..if there is one.

Thank you .

The answer is "no".

Thanks Will for your reply! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

Dont do anything to soften the grip. I also wouldnt teach a puppy with a strong bite to out. I would teach it to hang on and win the item at all cost. Youll have plenty of time to teach an out in the future.

Morris,

Thank you for stating this. Especially about teaching the "Out". As I was just starting that toy exchange technique with him. I will stop that just now and continue to encourage his current bite training.

Another potential problem avoided! Thank you!!!

<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Another potential problem to avoid is that your dog is probably starting to loose puppy teeth, or will be soon. Don't do any bite work till it's finished at about 6 months old. You can still let the dog chase and catch a rag, but don't play tug while it's teething.